What is Library & Information Science?

Summary

This video delves into the field of Library and Information Science (LIS), exploring its role in storing, retrieving, and utilizing information. It highlights the distinction between Library Science, focused on the practical aspects of information organization, and Information Science, which deals with the theory of information systems. The video also examines the interdisciplinary nature of LIS, touching on its relationship with fields like psychology, physics, and linguistics. It emphasizes the growing importance of LIS in the digital age, its focus on accessibility, Open Access, and its integration with emerging technologies and practices in information management.

Takeaways

• 😀 LIS (Library and Information Science) is focused on the storage, retrieval, and use of information, regardless of its form.
• 😀 While disciplines like Physics and Literature create and interpret information, LIS is concerned with organizing and making it accessible.
• 😀 LIS is interdisciplinary, connecting fields like biology, psychology, physics, and linguistics, reflecting its broad scope.
• 😀 Information Science focuses on the theory and technology of information, while Library Science is more about practical systems for organizing and accessing it.
• 😀 A key distinction: Library Science deals with the physical aspects of information (e.g., books), whereas Information Science is more focused on digital information and processes.
• 😀 Dr. Marcia Bates describes LIS as the study of how humans produce, seek, retrieve, and use information.
• 😀 LIS professionals help shape how we interact with information in everyday life, from search engines to libraries and beyond.
• 😀 LIS was shaped by the evolution of digital tools, with the transition from analog to digital creating new challenges and opportunities.
• 😀 The merging of Library Science and Information Science has led to professionals working across diverse fields, such as UX design, data analysis, and intelligence.
• 😀 LIS professionals are also advocates for Open Access, working to make information available to everyone, regardless of financial or social barriers.
• 😀 In today’s information age, LIS plays a crucial role in ensuring information is organized, accessible, and used ethically, serving both practical and theoretical purposes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Library and Information Science (LIS)?

LIS focuses on the storage, retrieval, and usage of information, studying the systems, structures, and processes people rely on to find, store, and share information, regardless of its form.

How does Library and Information Science differ from other fields like Physics or Literature?

While fields like Physics and Literature create and shape information, LIS is concerned with how information is stored, retrieved, and used, examining the structures and systems involved.

What role do Information Scientists play in the field of LIS?

Information Scientists study the theory behind information, including how people interact with information systems, how information is structured, and how it can be used efficiently in various contexts.

What role do Librarians play in the field of LIS?

Librarians focus on the practice of organizing and making information accessible to people, ensuring information is easy to find, understand, and use, both in physical and digital formats.

What are the key differences between Library Science and Information Science?

Library Science is more focused on the physical aspects of managing books and documents in libraries, while Information Science deals with the broader processes of storing, retrieving, and analyzing information, often in digital forms.

How do Information Science and Library Science work together?

Information Science and Library Science inform each other by combining theory and practice. Information Science helps librarians adapt to digital challenges, while librarians offer expertise in organization, classification, and preservation.

What are some examples of the interdisciplinary nature of LIS?

LIS intersects with fields like biology, psychology, physics, and linguistics, applying principles from these areas to improve information systems and enhance how information is accessed and used.

How has the transition from analog to digital changed the role of librarians?

The transition has introduced new challenges, such as the need to store and provide access to digital information. Librarians now manage both physical and digital collections, ensuring that information remains accessible and well-preserved.

What is the importance of Open Access in LIS?

Open Access is crucial in LIS because it promotes making information publicly available, removing barriers like paywalls, and ensuring that research, educational materials, and government data are accessible to all.

What kinds of careers can someone with a degree in Library and Information Science pursue?

Graduates can work in a variety of fields, including UX design, intelligence analysis, chief information officers, and even in specialized areas such as textiles, wines, and 3D printing, showcasing the versatility of LIS skills.