Course Topics - Information

Barbara Butler
Dean, University Library

On Content

What are some of the changes happening in your discipline that you find particularly interesting?

My part of the course is “Change in Information and Libraries” – very exciting because change in this environment has accelerated at an astonishing pace.  We are all impacted by this acceleration whether we think about it or not.  What I find particularly relevant to the educational process is the change in how knowledge is recorded. 

What will you focus on with the students?

The scholarly process on which we were all trained is giving way to the freeing up of information, fueling a debate over authority based on credentials.  And what about the potential for innovation when information is widely shared? These two classes are designed to convey the services and programs the library offers in support of student success. 

What do you want them to learn about your field?

I would like the students to understand the evolution of information and how they might think about being savvy information individuals, principles that should apply to all sources of information distribution.

Pedagogy and collaboration:

University 222 presents many opportunities for the campus, faculty, and students, from the GMC venue to the class size, from your collaboration as deans to the subject matter itself.

Given all of the above, what pedagogies will you employ to engage students and achieve your learning objectives?

I am continuing to develop my brief sessions which will be two classes only.  I am learning so much from attending the classes and seeing the dynamics.  I am hoping to engage this large class in a variety of ways to vary the pace.  I plan to integrate some short exercises that can be done outside of class.  I also hope the large group might help the Library with some immediate feedback in class on improving our usability by responding on a poll or survey.

In a broad sense, what opportunities are you excited about out of this class?

I’m excited by the opportunity of having so many students in one place at one time.  I hope that achieves some consistency in learning opportunities.