Matters of disinformation and post-truth are spoken of frequently these days, and it is important to tackle them head-on. But first, perhaps, we should consider what information and truth are. This presentation will begin with a definition of information that is unique and that may be challenged, and a discussion of what truth is. Then, disinformation can be defined, and its import for society treated critically. Also, post-truth can be likewise discussed within a framework of truth. These concepts are essential, not for studies of "information," abstractly and practically, but within the body politic of today.
The Allen Smith Symposium is an annual conference and Visiting Scholar Fellowship celebrating the life of professor Allen Smith who taught at SLIS for 31 years from 1978 until his passing in 2008. Smith regularly taught courses in reference, literature of the humanities, and oral history and pursued diverse interests as a farrier and is known for writing the definitive work on the Appalachian Dulcimer. A Visit Scholars Fellowship was endowed upon his passing to bring respected scholars who work in his broad areas of reference, humanities, and oral history to come to SLIS and share their expertise.
John M. Budd is Professor Emeritus in the School of Information Science and Learning Technologies of the University of Missouri. He has been active in professional associations for more than thirty years, serving as Chair of the American Library Association’s Library Research Round Table. He has also served in many capacities in the Association for Library and Information Science Education, including as President. He has also served as President of Beta Phi Mu. Budd has published well over 100 journal articles in some of the most prominent journals, including Library and Information Science Research, Journal of Information Science, Journal of Documentation, and JASIST.
Reception to follow.