Journal Entry 4

Librarianship, Documentation, and Information Science

Assigned Readings

In chapter 2, the focus is on information science. Information science is a multidisciplinary field that looks at information out of context and out of the package. The way information is package whether in book, periodical, or DVD is not the focus. The focus is on storing and retrieving information so it may be used at a later date. Rubin states that there are eleven major categories with librarianship being only one. He focuses on five areas that “directly affect librarianship”: “examination of information needs, information seeking, information use and information users”; “information storage and retrieval”; “defining the nature of information and its value”; “bibliometrics and citation analysis”; and “management and administrative issues”(Rubin, 2004).

Under “information seeking,” Rubin cites a study by Chen and Hernon that people prefer to get their information from another person. Rubin later states that information seeking is a “dynamic process” that evolves through six stages: “initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, presentation” (Rubin, 2004). The second area is the study of how data is stored and how users retrieve data; the linchpin being the human computer interface. The easier it is use the dialog interface of the search engine or database the more likely the higher the user satisfaction with the search process. Third area is “defining the nature of information and its value” (Rubin, 2004). Rubin states there are “at least basic constructs: data, information and knowledge.” The fourth area of concern to librarianship is citation analysis and bibliometrics. Citation analysis is concerned with the “frequency and pattern” of citations within published materials. Bibliometrics is the statistical analysis of use patterns and information distribution among published periodicals. Finally, the last area of concern is with management and administrative decisions. It is the implantation of the libraries mission statement by management that will determine what tools will be available for the users (public).

Rubin concluded that “librarians can make good use of much of this research” and that they can “contribute to it”. The “central value” of the information science field is to “make information accessible and usable.”

As an aside, I wonder how much of our information will be lost to future generations. Formats change rapidly and not all data is converted (of course not every home movie needs preservation). Movies and books often show the future as a dystopia society with humankind reverting to a post industrial existence. Will the digital technology of today survive as well as the Sumerian clay tablets?

The final section of chapter 7 pertains to “the mission and future of the modern American library” (Rubin, 2004). Rubin states “libraries and librarians confront a host of destabilizing factors: the flood information, constant innovations in technology, economic and political demands and stresses, as well as numerous social problems.” There is so much information and culture change around us it is the library as community center, as information center, and as homework support center that provides the a stable place to work from. “The library helps us orient us economically, educationally, religiously, politically, and aesthetically to these cultures and environments.”

Rubin, R. E. (2004). Foundations of library and information science (2nd ed.). New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.

“Most attempts at suppression rest on a denial of the fundamental premise of democracy: that the ordinary individual, by exercising critical judgment, will select the good and reject the bad. We trust Americans to recognize propaganda and misinformation, and to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. We do not believe they are prepared to sacrifice their heritage of a free press in order to be ‘protected’ against what others think may be bad for them. We believe they still favor Free Enterprise in ideas and expression” (ALA, 2000).

While reading the “The Freedom to Read Statement,” this paragraph in particular brought several things to mind. First, that “the ordinary individual” can “select the good and reject the bad” I believe that this also applies to children and young adults. This has come up in conversation with classmates and colleagues. That young people will seek out the types of reading material that they are emotional ready for. Yes, as librarians are job or life mission is to get the right book into the right hands. But we can only guide and suggest, the ultimate decision to read or not to read is the individuals choice.

I once had a library director who stated if you can’t find something in the library to offend you then we are not doing our jobs. Here she was making the point that as a library we must encompass a larger view than just our own comfort zone. The library is for a multifaceted community with a myriad of beliefs and viewpoints.

American Library Association. (2000). The freedom to read statement. Retrieved 5/29/2008.