Information Policy & Analysis
- Education
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 108 pages
- 15 units
This course introduces students to information policy and analysis, focusing on the exponential growth of information in the digital environment. It covers key concepts such as intellectual property, economic regulations, freedom of expression, and information security. Students will learn to access and use information resources responsibly, understand copyright laws, and apply information policy principles in libraries and other settings. The course also explores the Freedom of Information Act and its implications for lifelong learning and research.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical, case study
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based assessments
- Discussion forums
- Portfolio presentation
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS408, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS408 · UNIT 1 DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT OF INFORMATION POLICY
Several papers have suggested the need for LIS to focus more attention on teaching information policy to current students and current practitioners (Jaeger, Gorham, Taylor, Bertot, 2015). This could be as a result of geometric growth in information production and circulation.
What you should be able to do
- Identify and explain the components of information policy.
- Ascertain the place of library in implementing information policy.
- Determine the policy issues in using information resources in a digital environment.
- Use information to avoid infringing copyright laws.
- Apply strategies to ensure freedom of information and expression.
- Identify the practical application of information policy in the library.
What it prepares you for
- Information Manager
- Librarian
- Information Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Archivist
- Libraries
- Government Agencies
- Research Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Private Sector
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Public Policy Issues in the use of Information
Unit 1: Intellectual property
Understanding the legal nuances and implications of intellectual property rights requires careful analysis of various international treaties and national laws.
- Module 3: Digital Environment
Unit 4: Relevance of copyright law in a digital environment
Grasping the complexities of copyright law in the digital environment requires understanding various digital rights management technologies and their limitations.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Definition of Concept
Unit 1: Definition of the concept of Information Policy · 2 hours
Define information policy and its evolution.. Discuss the importance of information policy in the information age.. Reflect on the role of information policy in your academic and professional life..
- Week 2Module 1: Definition of Concept
Unit 2: Information analysis · 2 hours
Explain the concept of information analysis.. Discuss the importance of information analysis in accessing and using information.. Differentiate between Green and Gold Open Access and their implications for research..
- Week 3Module 1: Definition of Concept
Unit 3: Components of information policy · 2 hours
Identify and explain the components of information policy.. Discuss the role of each component in shaping the information society.. Analyze the stakeholders involved in information policy and their respective interests..
- Week 4Module 1: Definition of Concept
Unit 4: Information policy and libraries · 2 hours
Explain the relationship between information policy and libraries.. Discuss the role of libraries in implementing and enforcing information policy.. Analyze the collection development policy and its importance in library management..
- Week 5Module 2: Public Policy Issues in the use of Information
Unit 1: Intellectual property · 2 hours
Define intellectual property and its significance.. Explain the different types of intellectual property rights.. Discuss the roles of international organizations in protecting intellectual property..
- Week 6Module 2: Public Policy Issues in the use of Information
Unit 2: Economic regulations · 2 hours
Define economic regulations and their purpose.. Discuss the importance of economic regulations in the information sector.. Analyze the challenges of implementing and enforcing economic regulations..
- Week 7Module 2: Public Policy Issues in the use of Information
Unit 3: Freedom of expression · 2 hours
Define freedom of expression and its importance.. Discuss the tools used to curtail freedom of expression.. Analyze the restrictions on freedom of expression and their justifications..
- Week 8Module 2: Public Policy Issues in the use of Information
Unit 4: Freedom of Information Act (FOIB) · 2 hours
Define the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its purpose.. Outline the key provisions of the FOIA.. Discuss the importance of the FOIA in promoting transparency and accountability..
- Week 9Module 3: Digital Environment
Unit 1: Definition of the concept of digital Environment and characteristics · 2 hours
Define the concept of digital environment and its characteristics.. Discuss the resources available in a digital environment.. Analyze the impact of the digital environment on information access and use..
- Week 10Module 3: Digital Environment
Unit 2: Creative common License · 2 hours
Explain the concept of Creative Common License (CCL).. Identify the different types of licenses under creative common.. Discuss the benefits of creative common license in promoting open access..
- Week 11Module 3: Digital Environment
Unit 3: Access rights to information in a digital environment · 2 hours
Explain the concept of access rights to information.. List some of the digital rights.. Discuss the different types of access rights and their implications..
- Week 12Module 3: Digital Environment
Unit 4: Relevance of copyright law in a digital environment · 2 hours
Discuss the relevance of copyright law in a digital environment.. Name the digital rights protection technology.. Analyze the challenges to copyright law in a digital environment..
- Week 13Module 4: Information Security
Final Revision · 2 hours
Review all modules and units.. Work on assignments and prepare for final examination.. Participate in online discussions and seek clarification on any challenging concepts..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Modules 1-2, focusing on the evolution of information policy and its key components.
- Practice analyzing case studies related to intellectual property rights from Units 1-2 in Module 2.
- Review the key provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) from Unit 4 in Module 2 and understand its implications for different sectors.
- Compare and contrast the different types of Creative Common Licenses from Unit 2 in Module 3, focusing on their practical applications.
- Focus on understanding the digital rights protection technologies discussed in Unit 4 of Module 3 and their effectiveness in preventing copyright infringement.
- Develop strategies for managing information privacy in different contexts, based on the principles discussed in Unit 1 of Module 4.
- Practice applying access management principles from Unit 2 in Module 4 to real-world scenarios involving sensitive information.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS408 about?
This course introduces students to information policy and analysis, focusing on the exponential growth of information in the digital environment. It covers key concepts such as intellectual property, economic regulations, freedom of expression, and information security. Students will learn to access and use information resources responsibly, understand copyright laws, and apply information policy principles in libraries and other settings. The course also explores the Freedom of Information Act and its implications for lifelong learning and research.
How many units does LIS408 have?
LIS408, Information Policy & Analysis, has 15 units across 4 modules, over 108 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS408?
LIS408 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Education.
Is LIS408 hard?
LIS408 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical, practical and case study work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS408 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 15 units.
How is LIS408 assessed?
LIS408 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based assessments, discussion forums, portfolio presentation and final examination.
What can I do with LIS408?
Information Manager, Librarian, Information Analyst, Policy Analyst and Archivist.