Department of Information Studies

The Department of Information Studies was originally established in 1996 under the name Department of Library and Information Science to offer the Master’s program in Library and Information Science at the College of Graduate Studies. The program continued under the College of Graduate Studies until 2001, when it became an independent academic department within the College of Social Sciences. In the same year, the department began offering information-related courses to students in the College of Social Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences in the College of Science.

In 2005, the department introduced the minor specialization in Information Studies for students in the College of Social Sciences and for students from other colleges at Kuwait University, in line with the university’s orientation to encourage interdisciplinary studies and collaboration across academic departments.

Since then, the department has continued to develop its curricula and courses to keep pace with advancements in information science and technology. These efforts culminated in the academic year 2016/2017 when the Master’s program was renamed from Library and Information Science to Master of Information Studies. At the same time, the department was renamed from Library and Information Science to Information Studies, aligning its identity and academic programs with global trends in similar departments worldwide.

In 2017, the Department of Information Studies also obtained full authorization from Google to use the G Suite for Education applications and systems, achieving its goals of continuously improving teaching methods through the use of modern information technologies.
 

Vision

To equip members of society with a high level of professionalism and information responsibility, enabling them to assume leadership positions in a rapidly changing knowledge environment.

Mission

To prepare a specialized workforce equipped with the latest skills in information and knowledge management, contributing effectively to building a knowledge society through excellence in teaching, research, and community service.

Objectives

The Department of Information Studies seeks to achieve its vision and mission through the following objectives:

• Promote a culture of scientific publishing in line with the priorities of the State of Kuwait and the Arab region.
• Enhance research productivity among faculty members and Master’s students in Information Studies.
• Support continuous academic development of faculty members in the fields of technology and information.
• Develop students’ competencies and information literacy skills across the university.
• Foster a culture of electronic publishing and lifelong learning.
• Strengthen community service programs.