FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN
School Strategy 2015–17 for the Royal School of
Library and Information Science (IVA), Faculty
of Humanities, University of Copenhagen (KUHUM)
Preamble
The main foundation stones for the Royal School of Library and Information Science (IVA)
are two academic traditions: information science and cultural communication.
Information science at IVA – and internationally – is characterised by the preponderance
of quantitative methodology and other fully or partially formalised methods and the widespread use of information technology and digital media. These aspects of the School’s
work are reflected in the term information science. However, it is important to remember
that the concept of information is more complex than this, and that it existed prior to the
invention of modern information technologies. Cultural perspectives on information and
IT are intrinsic to IVA’s overall approach to the field. These include, for example, historical,
ethical, and epistemological approaches, media studies and also, importantly, useroriented approaches to information.
Cultural communication at IVA is characterised by a focus on the interaction between culture and culture users, and the role played by institutional and political frameworks in this
context. In this sense, it is a sociological and humanities discipline with the emphasis on
understanding the interaction between socio-political frameworks and cultural experiences, and on their development and improvement. In this cultural context, digitisation and IT
are increasingly pervasive forces for change. For these reasons, it is highly important to focus more closely on digital culture and digital cultural communication, including the interaction between digitality and physical space.
IVA conceives of Information Studies as an umbrella term for both information science
and cultural communication as practiced at IVA. This School Strategy serves as an overarching framework for the School’s research, education and administrative strategies. In
turn, it aligns with and supports the overall strategy for the University of Copenhagen, and
the Faculty of Humanities’ Strategy 2016/17.
Vision
IVA has a vision of developing a modern information science that systematically develops
and integrates scientific knowledge about both information and culture.
In delivering this vision, IVA intends to enhance the understanding of both areas and to
increase innovation in the practical application and development of information, information systems, cultural communication and digital culture.
Strategic objectives
1. To maintain and strengthen IVA’s respected international standing and high profile
Within the context of current international information science, and in particularthe international organisation of information schools (iSchools 1), IVA sees its distinctive mission
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http://www.ischools.org
as contributing to the understanding of the interaction between information and culture.
On this fundamental basis, IVA aims to:
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strengthen and develop its international profile in general. iSchools will obviously feature prominently as a forum in which to further this aim but, where
practical, a broader approach can be adopted.
contribute to the development of a European group of iSchools, e.g. by promoting exchange agreements and co-operating on EU applications.
make a particular contribution to closer co-operation between Nordic iSchools
and other Nordic institutions equipped for and with an interest in such cooperation.
2. To add significant value to society through research and education.
IVA will conduct research that enhances and develops:
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information science, imbued with knowledge of culture and cultural dissemination.
cultural communication, imbued with an understanding of digitisation and its
constructive uses in an increasingly digitised culture.
These objectives will also help generate dialogue and ever-stronger cohesion and interaction between information science and cultural communication. This will also develop IVA’s
subject field as a unifying framework (Information Studies) for both information science
and cultural dissemination.
Research carried out within this framework will generate unique and distinctive
knowledge, which we consider an essential prerequisite for better use of information and
improved cultural communication. Such knowledge will create the basis for making a positive contribution to building society's overall information capacity, which is a key competitive factor, and which will also help develop paths to cultural enrichment both within specific cultural institutions and in society in general.
On this basis, education and teaching at the highest level will provide:
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information specialists for the Danish and international labour market who
have solid competencies in IT, information use, information searching and digital media, and in addition to this are unique in the Danish educational landscape because they also possess in-depth knowledge of cultural concepts and
cultural communication.
cultural communicators for the Danish and international labour market who
have solid competencies in cultural understanding, cultural policy and cultural
communication, and in addition to this are unique in the Danish educational
landscape because they also possess significant competencies in information
science and IT.
librarians and MLA professionals whose combination of information and cultural competencies make them a highly qualified workforce for the MLA sector (Museums, Libraries and Archives) and for other cultural institutions.
These graduates will be equipped to satisfy existing needs in the MLA sector,
and to help develop and renew the sector area and other cultural institutions
in the future.
3. To strive to exploit the potential inherent in the merger with UCPH's Faculty of Humani-
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ties (HUM) in 2013
In accordance with the merger conditions and consensus agreement of 18 December
2012, IVA will develop its policies and practices to enable it to become a fully integrated
department at HUM, and at the same time contribute at faculty level to building a coherent and consistent approach across all HUM departments. IVA will:
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enrich IVA’s studies and research through closer co-operation with HUM’s
other departments and the CCC (Centre for Communication and Computing).
create new elements for study programmes, e.g. relevant elective studies or
even completely new study programmes in collaboration with HUM’s other
departments and the CCC.
enrich HUM’s other research and studies with IVA’s specialist knowledge of
both information and culture.
contribute to HUM’s development of humanities research analysis.
4. Develop into an even more attractive workplace with a focus on a better physical and
mental working environment for staff and students
A good working environment is conducive to creativity and professionalism. Employee
and student satisfaction is a high priority and IVA will work actively to develop as a
workplace characterised by trust, respect and close co-operation within and across disciplines. IVA will work actively to:
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maintain and strengthen the special IVA culture, in which job satisfaction, a
holistic approach to work and learning, and a commitment to the ongoing improvement of the workplace are key driving forces.
improve student and employee well-being guided by feedback from the annual satisfaction and well-being assessments.
inform and improve internal communications, including developing the
frameworks for better internal dialogue between management, staff and students
ensure continued development of a high-quality physical working environment – both in the current and future physical settings.
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