[Asis-l] Re-envisioning the MLS with Maryland's iSchool Engagement Session: Libraries and Archives are Information Technologies on Nov. 12

[Mary E. Carroll-Mason]

Re-envisioning the MLS with Maryland's iSchool Engagement Session
Libraries and Archives are Information Technologies

Wikipedia tells us that "technology is the collection of tools, including machinery, modifications, arrangements, and procedures used by humans."  If we accept this definition, then both Library and Information Science and the study of Archives and Records Management are, and have always been, the study of technologies. As the first word in this abstract makes clear, we now live in an era with a vastly greater number and range of technologies to be harnessed in service of those who seek to keep, find and use information and evidence.  Harnessing that potential is, and always has been, the mission of what we today call an iSchool.  Where, then, does our Master of Library Science degree fit in this brave new world? How should we respond to new challenges and opportunities that emerging and evolving technologies provide? These questions are not just about how our profession will evolve, but also how we here at the University of Maryland will lead in that evolution. This session is led by Drs. Brian Butler and Douglas Oard.

When: Wednesday, November 12
Where: 2119 Hornbake Building, South Wing, University of Maryland
When: 4:30PM-5:30PM
Maps/Directions: http://ischool.umd.edu/content/contact
Contact: mlsprogram at umd.edu
Please rsvp at ter.ps/rsvpNov12
Streaming: online via Adobe Connect at http://umdischool.adobeconnect.com/r682raz8l7c

Dr. Brian Butler is professor and director of the Master of Information Management program in the iSchool. He also serves as director of the Center for the Advanced Study of Communities and Information. His research combines theories and methods from organizational theory, information systems, and information studies to better understand how emerging technologies affect teams, communities, and organizations.  Dr. Douglas Oard is a Professor at the University of Maryland, College Park, with joint appointments in the College of Information Studies and the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. Dr. Oard earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland. His research interests center around the use of emerging technologies to support information seeking by end users. Additional information is available at http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~oard/.