Government information is an interdisciplinary field where different interest parties enthusiastically converse -- government officials, computer engineers, policy analysts, public administrators, journalists, sociologists, political scientists, information scientists, and librarians. Traditionally, "government documents librarians" (now often called "government information librarians") manage government publications collections and provide services to facilitate public access to government information. Today, LIS professionals not only mediate access, but also participate in other areas of government information works such as policy making and actual implementation of information access and the management of digital information throughout its life cycle (from content creation to permanent preservation).

This class will introduce you to both the current government information resources as well as special issues in government information management (not limited to library works). It will also engage you in self-directed exploration of government bodies (i.e., the ROC government agencies and the international governmental organizations) in regards to their administrative structures, functions, information activities & products.