Program Overview

Introduction to the Information Professions

The Information Professions course, denoted as INFO 520, is designed to explore the role of information professionals in society. It focuses on the diverse nature of librarianship and information work, as well as key issues and trends impacting its development.

Course Details

• Dates: 23 February 2026 to 21 June 2026
• Starts: Trimester 1
• Fees:
  • NZ$1,584.90 for domestic students
  • NZ$4,848.90 for international students
• Lecture Start Times: Tuesday, 6.00pm
• Campus: Taught Online
• Estimated Workload: Approximately 150 hours or 8.8 hours per week for 17 weeks
• Points: 15 points

Entry Restrictions

• Prerequisites: None
• Corequisites: None
• Restrictions: None

Course Objectives

Students who pass this course should be able to:

1. Assess the nature and functions of the information professions.
2. Discuss the roles and relationships of information professionals within organisations, institutions, society, and the professional environment.
3. Identify and analyse current issues and challenges facing the information professions.
4. Reflect on their work experience in an information environment with which they are unfamiliar.
5. Analyse Māori and indigenous perspectives on issues relating to the information professions.

How the Course is Taught

This course is fully online, delivered both synchronously and asynchronously, with no tutorials or workshops. Students are not required to be on campus to complete any piece of assessment for the course.

Assessment

• Briefing Note (1000 words): 30%
• Report on the incorporation of Mātauranga Māori in a Cultural Heritage Institution (2000 words): 30%
• Professional Exploration Essay (2000 words): 40%

Mandatory Requirements

There are no mandatory course requirements for this course.

Lecture Times and Rooms

• 23 February 2026 to 5 April 2026
• 20 April 2026 to 31 May 2026

What You'll Need to Get

You do not need to get any texts or equipment for this course.

About the Course

This course provides an introduction to key concepts and developments in the work of the information professions, covering topics such as:

• Matauranga Maori
• Networking in the information professions
• Digital technologies in the information professions
• Digital Inclusion
• Data Privacy and Data Sovereignty
• Information Ethics
• Community Engagement
• Indigeneity/Decolonising/Culturally Responsive Organisations

Taught By

The School of Information Management — Wellington School of Business and Government.

Disclaimer

This course outline may be subject to change.