Exploring the Debate: Is Library and Information Science an Art Course?
The field of Library and Information Science (LIS) has long been debated as to whether it belongs to the realm of humanities or science. Some argue that it is purely technical and falls under the umbrella of science. Others believe that it is an interdisciplinary field that bridges science and humanities, and should be labeled as an art course. Let’s take a closer look at the arguments on both sides of the debate.
The Science Argument
Those who support the science argument maintain that Library and Information Science is purely technical. Library collection management, cataloging, and information retrieval are all tasks that require precise methods and standardized practices. Science proponents claim that LIS is a field that is concerned with the organization and classification of information, and therefore relies on logical and systematic principles.
Furthermore, science proponents suggest that the vast array of technological advancements in the field, including online databases, e-journals, and digital libraries, have turned LIS into a technical field. The emphasis on computer-based technologies, big data, and data analysis, is evidence that LIS relies more on science rather than art.
The Art Argument
Opponents of the science argument argue that Library and Information Science is more than a technical field requiring the use of scientific principles. They assert that the field makes extensive use of humanities theories and ideas. Library and Information Science operates at the intersection of various disciplines, including history, linguistics, sociology, and anthropology.
One way in which LIS utilizes the humanities is through the creation of metadata, which involves the application of cultural and social perspectives. In addition, the concept of “information literacy” is an outcome of the much-needed connection of LIS with the humanities. The idea of providing individuals with the skills and knowledge required to use information effectively, ethically, and critically, is a prime example of LIS’s connection to the humanities.
A Bridge Between Science and Humanities?
It’s crucial to recognize that Library and Information Science doesn’t belong exclusively to either science or humanities. Instead, it can be seen as a bridge between the two disciplines. LIS operates at the intersection where science and humanity converge, and it requires a combination of scientific and humanities-based methods to carry out its tasks successfully.
Drawing on the humanities, LIS can make information accessible to people from various backgrounds, while a scientific approach ensures that the information is appropriately classified, organized, and made available in efficient formats. Indeed, the answer to the question of whether LIS is an art course or a science course lies in the fact that it is both!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate on whether Library and Information Science is an art course or a science course is not a new one. But by examining the arguments made by both proponents and critics, it becomes clear that LIS is an interdisciplinary field that draws on the practices of both science and humanities. Instead of being labeled as purely a science or an art course, LIS deserves to be recognized for its bridging of the two disciplines and its contribution to the preservation and dissemination of knowledge.
