Information science: diversified profiles - specialized trainings

Abstract

Information and communication technologies influenced, at a macro level, the functioning of Society and Industry and, at a micro level, the role of subjects as individuals, students, and professionals. Education was no exception and was also forced to undergo changes, both in terms of physical resources, human resources and teaching and learning methodologies, as well as the content taught. Considering that postgraduate specialization courses provide skills, or their updating, in specific areas, they are often the option for recently graduated students or professionals who wish to reorient their career. Therefore, this communication aims to present the three postgraduate specialization courses created by two teachers from the Information Science disciplinary group at the Instituto Superior de Contabilidade e Administração do Porto, Politécnico do Porto, as possible paths to a specialization that promotes different profiles or could change the previously established professional path, relatively quickly. Professional flexibility, voluntary or not, is a reality. Overall, there is a growing awareness of the importance of information for organizations. The contextualization of the information professional's work and the response to the informational needs of organizations, transversal to any organization, are an essential element in the training of this professional. The methodology used is based on a literature review and the collection and analysis of evidence, through a questionnaire, therefore following a mixed approach: a combination of quantitative and qualitative techniques will be used, allowing for better analytical possibilities. It is a conviction that the paradigm shift that underlies the effective implementation of the principles contained in the Bologna Declaration presupposes the adaptation of courses to the new professional and social reality. In fact, the evolution of Information Science has led to a user-centered paradigm and to highlighting the importance of the social role of information success in the formation of a more democratic and inclusive society. It is now certain that the information professional must be based on the needs and interests of users and, at the same time, must support his activity in the mediation of information, that is, in the construction and consolidation of mechanisms and instruments that allow users to appropriate information they need, encouraging and facilitating access to and use of information. Training professionals and increasing their information and communication technologies skills is necessary to achieve full appreciation of information as a human and social phenomenon. Over the years, programs and projects have emerged to raise awareness, train, and adapt professionals in this area. The set of training offers presented allow for diversification and/or specialization of profiles, complementing that provided at degree level, in line with the varied demands of the job market and of the digital transformation.