SI 501: Use of Information

Engages students in the central professional and academic commitment of the School of Information: that better academic knowledge and better professional practice both rest on understanding the actual use of information in real-world environments. This course introduces students to frameworks, methods, and issues on information use in various levels of aggregation (individual, group, organization, and profession) and various contexts (work environments, community, and society). Students learn fundamental notions of information need, information behavior, knowledge construction associated with designing information systems, and services.

1. To become familiar with basic concepts related to information, information behavior, and information system and service
2. To examine information needs and use in various contexts and various levels of aggregation
3. To introduce approaches to qualitative methodology to assist in data collection
4. To provide opportunities to practice the concepts and methods of information use in a real-world setting