Intellectual convergence in a mass communication course for librarians and publishers

Abstract

Notes the professional convergence seen in the work of library and information professionals and of journalists, publishers and broadcasters in the way that both groups are trained to locate, store and disseminate information. Discusses ways in which this professional convergence can be used to design a course in mass communications so as to investigate all the aspects and issues of the subject, how they relate to each other, and what they imply for all students and citizens. Focuses on the experience gained in designing a mass communications course for library and information science students at the School of Information and Media, Robert Gordon University, Scotland, noting: how the course was designed to develop in the students a mature critical approach to the subject; issues of course content; course content and controversy; and the place of such courses in the education and training of library professionals.