Wayne State University

AIM HIGHER

Library and Information Science Program

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Library and Information Science Program is to prepare students to assume professional roles in varied and evolving library and information environments.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. Assume a leadership role in traditional and interdisciplinary research and scholarship that address information and library issues.

  • Faculty will conduct research and disseminate the results regionally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Faculty will encourage students to conduct research.
  • Faculty will seek opportunities to share with and engage students in research.
  • Students will utilize relevant research studies in their course work.
  • Students will gain an awareness of current research in the field, research methods, and the use of research findings.

2. Educate within and for a rapidly changing technological world.

  • Students will understand how technology is reshaping and affecting libraries and the profession.
  • Students will identify, evaluate and apply current and emerging technologies of relevance to information organizations and services.
  • Students will understand the responsible use of technology.
  • The Program will provide support for incorporating instructional and information technology throughout the curriculum.

3. Prepare students to understand the interactions between social factors and information environments.

  • Students will understand the historical, social, cultural, educational, political, and economic dimensions of information and information agencies.
  • Students will articulate the importance of intellectual freedom in providing information access.
  • Students will recognize intellectual property, security, and privacy issues.
  • Students will recognize the role of information technologies and organizations in globalization.

4. Teach and foster professional attitudes and a service philosophy.

  • Students will articulate a personal and professional code of ethics.
  • Students will recognize the necessity for involvement in professional organizations.
  • Students will demonstrate a committed professional attitude, including a concern for ethical issues, individual professional development, and continuing education.
  • Students will recognize the value of teaching and service in the advancement of the profession.
  • Faculty will encourage involvement in the community and community organizations.

5. Engage the diverse community of which we are a part.

  • The Program will seek diversity among the faculty.
  • The Program will seek diversity among the student body.
  • The Program will facilitate student experience in multicultural and multiethnic information environments.
  • The Program will support underrepresented groups.
  • The faculty will integrate urban issues across the program.