An essay on the past and future (?) of information science education—II: Unresolved problems of “externalities” of education

摘要

The essay examines the basic issues confronting information science education, issues that must be resolved if information science itself is to evolve in an orderly fashion. The essay is organized in three parts. In the first part definitions were considered and in a historical context the emergence, evolution and current state of information science and its education. This second part considers the problems and unresolved questions that deal with external aspects (“externalities”) of information science education: (i) academic affiliation, (ii) degree levels, (iii) admission requirements, (iv) jurisdiction and (v) financing. The third part will deal with problems and unresolved questions in respect to internal aspects (“internalities”) of education: (i) objectives, (ii) content, (iii) teachers and (iv) teaching. It is suggested that information science cannot prosper or even survive if concentrated action is not undertaken in the “externalities” and “internalities” of its education. A majority of the specific situations discussed pertain to North America, however, general aspects are valid for information science education everywhere. Recommendations about areas that need action are made.