Abstract

Two closely related aspects of the information and documentation sector -university education and labour market- are discussed. We consider the equivalencies and transferability of previous courses and degrees for credit towards the Information and Documentation degree, and some possible effects of the new three-year degrees. In relation to the labour market in our sector, we discuss the opacity of our contribution to the digital content economy. Summarized in tables, the most striking results of our analysis of employment and unemployment rates and types of job openings posted in information and documentation in 2014 are presented and discussed.

Abstract

The Information Schools (iSchools) are a prominent international academic network of information schools. Since its creation in 2005, about 80 universities have joined the network, through the respective faculties or departments thematically involved. The faculties or academic departments that are part of the iSchools study information, in close relationship with people and technology. We present a general overview of the iSchools that includes: the history of its origins and evolution, an updated review of its academic activity, and future trends. This overview is done through a critical review of a selection of existing literature on this academic movement. The review includes opinion and academic debate documents, scientific studies based on the collection and analysis of data from all the universities in the network or representative samples of them, and a look at the iConference, an annual world congress organized by this academic network.

Abstract

The evolution of information sources before and after the Internet also raises the opportunity to discuss the information system and scientific communication. The article presents the possible scenarios for the creation of a megajournal in Information Science, considering its evolution from scientific journals or from the repositories. The possibility of rethinking the number of scientific journals is also considered. This includes the debate about issues such as impact factor, peer review and databases.

Abstract

This contribution examines the visibility and accessibility of the doctoral dissertations in Library and Information Science in Spanish universities. The analysis shows the inadequacies of available resources that locate the theses in this discipline and calculate the percentage available as full text. Finally, a reflection about the use of classifications in the document databases is included.

Abstract

A review of various reports and studies reveals the most important aspects and events in 2014 of the library and information science (LIS) profession and academic programs. The economic crisis in Spain has continued to hit hard, although to a lesser extent. In this environment, a general major concern is to demonstrate the social benefits delivered by libraries. The profession is becoming more hybridized with other professional sectors. As for university education, we note a slight improvement in the statistical data, but also an outrageous structural reform of university cycles by the Spanish Ministry of Education. There has also been an unfair tightening of accreditation agency requirements for the approval of six-year research periods for academic researchers in LIS.

Abstract

Information has increasingly become a crucial resource for organizations that want to remain competitive in the market. For this reason, analysis and a correct understanding of informational types that are present in these environments become relevant to achieving the highest levels of performance. The aim of this paper is to review the literature of the concepts of organic and archival information within the organizational context/business environments. This is still an emerging theoretical field and therefore is conducive to intense discussions. We point out elements that help to characterize and distinguish these two types of information.

Abstract

The application of the Cameo (Characterizations Automatically Made and Edited Online) bibliometric technique -one of the most advanced methodologies for the analysis and representation of information- to the research history of Marshall McLuhan allows us to create a scientific portrait of this Canadian communications expert. The Cameo portrait identifies McLuhan’s professional and academic interests, the authors that most heavily influenced his wave-breaking theories and the evolution of his line of thought in current trends of Communication. By analysing the relational information of citations contained in articles about McLuhan in the ISI Web of Science, we were able to create a map of his intellectual sojourns, including signposts of the most influential authors in his professional career, along with a second representation that shows the “footprints” his writings have left in the world.

Abstract

The information pyramid, or DIKW hierarchy, is a key construct in information science and other related disciplines. Its concept, history and criticism are presented. Thereafter, the pyramid is enriched with the contributions of cognitive sciences in the last decades, and an enlarged model is proposed. Finally, a discussion of the different levels of the pyramid is presented from the point of view of the architecture of the human information system: data, information, knowledge and wisdom. As a result of very different points of view, the model is full of ambiguities and alternative interpretations, but nevertheless remains a fertile metaphor and a point of reference for the intra-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary dialog at the maximum level of abstraction.

Abstract

The evolution of training and education in information and documentation is reviewed, starting with the first systematic professional education initiatives in the 19th century. Some of the current key challenges and future action lines are discussed: clarifying the mission, the ecological niche and strategic objectives of the discipline; taking care of the disciplinary core and addressing the peripheries; building and looking after the brand and main stakeholders, relocating the student as a prime client; negotiating a permanent observation point to allow the design of curricula based on the labour-market and student needs; programming the educational levels within the framework of life long education; rebuilding and pursuing the interdisciplinary dimension of information studies; modulating technological training according to social changes and student profiles; and ensuring operational quality and addressing the continuous evidence-based improvement of the pedagogical methods. The reflection focuses on the Spanish case, but incorporates an international perspective.

Abstract

The identification of information professional profiles is necessary in order to develop studies for the current labor market and to improve professional development for students. A literature review was carried out on selected papers published within the last two decades. Findings indicate that faculty must address the definition and acquisition of skills to prepare students for a dynamic and constantly changing professional environment.