The economic, social, and political forces affecting the introduction and implementation of current information legislation and policy, set within the theoretical context of frame reflection. Emphasis on national and global policy in the design of evolving electronic infrastructures. Particular attention given to issues of access, including universal service, intellectual freedom, intellectual property rights, privacy, security, advocacy, equity, and the role of library and information professionals and organizations in policy formulation.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the complexities of policy making in the United States. 
• Assess the means of addressing information-related problems and processes through legislative, administrative, judicial and/or other government actions. 
• Be equipped to identify key stakeholders and their viewpoints, underlying goals and values, principles, and strategies for promoting information policy changes.
• Demonstrate an understanding of major policy issues important to the information, communication, and technology professions and to the public at large regarding privacy, government information, secrecy, information equity, and copyright.
• Analyze policy issues to recognize the strengths, weaknesses, costs, consequences and tradeoffs of information policies.
• Recognize, evaluate and determine emerging policy issues.