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INFM 730
Information Audits

Prerequisite

INFM 600

Catalog Description

Processes for determining the existing information environment by identifying the information required to meet the needs of the organization; determining the information currently available: and identifying gaps and other needs.

Extended Description

An information audit is the process of reviewing the information environment of an organization to identify the information needs of the individuals within an organization as well as those of the organization itself. It identifies information created within the organization and assesses its value. It reviews the use of internal and external information resources. It maps information flows and develops knowledge and information maps of the organization.

Statement of Goals

After completing this course, students will:
  • Understand the nature and role of information audits.
  • Understand the methodologies used in information audits.
  • Plan, execute and evaluate an information audit.
 

Topics

  • What is an information audit: why do it?
  • Planning an audit:
  • Aims, objectives, scope
  • Management buy-in
  • The audit process:
  • Methodologies
  • Business process and information flows
  • Developing information and knowledge maps
  • Tool support
  • Its relation to information strategies and environmental design.

Teaching/Instructional Methods

Lectures, class discussions, case studies, term project.

Reading List:

Textbook:
  • Susan Henczel, The Information Audit, A Practical Guide, Gale Group, 2001
Readings:
  • Bates, M.E. Information Audits: What do we know and when do we knowit? Library management Briefings, Fall, 1997
  • Cortez, E.M. & Kazlauskas, E.J. Information Policy Audit: A case study of an organizational analysis tool. Special Libraries, 87(2), 88-97, 1996
College of Information Studies, University of Maryland, Room 4105 Hornbake Bldg, South Wing, College Park, MD 20742 | (301) 405.2038