The ALISE 2016 Conference theme of “Radical Change: Inclusion and Innovation” celebrates the far reaching impact of Eliza T. Dresang’s work. The conference welcomes contributions that explore inclusive practices and innovative strategies in teaching and research, with special interest for Cultural Diversity, Digital Societies, Intellectual Freedom, Social Justice and International Resources.
Our logo for the conference is the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly. This is a great symbol of radical change and transformation. Although the caterpillar and the butterfly exist in the same environment, each has its own perception and understanding of the world. As the caterpillar prepares for transformation, it must build the chrysalis, which acts as protection and change agent. When the radical change is completed, the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis into a new world, one of amazing potential and opportunity. The radical transformation and change allows the caterpillar to move beyond its small environment as a beautiful butterfly excited and ready to see and learn about its brave new world.
What is needed to develop LIS professionals who can support radical change? Technological determinism and technocentrism are powerful forces which obscure the integration of the social and technical as enmeshed processes. By promoting a Critical Interpretive Sociotechnical framework for LIS education, we propose that technology education is inherently political and must be challenged to encourage inclusion of non-dominant voices and support societal needs. We present a methodology from leadership education, Case-in-Point teaching, to teach such a framework and provide illustrative examples for its application and use.
