Enhancing Key Digital Literacy Skills: Information Privacy, Information Security, and Copyright/Intellectual Property

Authors

Jacquelyn A. Burkell, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western OntarioFollow
Alexandre Fortier, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western OntarioFollow
Lisa Di Valentino, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western OntarioFollow
Sarah T. Roberts, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

10-2015

Abstract

Key Messages

Background

• Knowledge and skills in the areas of information security, information privacy, and copyright/intellectual property rights and protection are of key importance for organizational and individual success in an evolving society and labour market in which information is a core resource.
• Organizations require skilled and knowledgeable professionals who understand risks and responsibilities related to the management of information privacy, information security, and copyright/intellectual property.
• Professionals with this expertise can assist organizations to ensure that they and their employees meet requirements for the privacy and security of information in their care and control, and in order to ensure that neither the organization nor its employees contravene copyright provisions in their use of information.
• Failure to meet any of these responsibilities can expose the organization to reputational harm, legal action and/or financial loss.

Context

• Inadequate or inappropriate information management practices of individual employees are at the root of organizational vulnerabilities with respect to information privacy, information security, and information ownership issues. Users demonstrate inadequate skills and knowledge coupled with inappropriate practices in these areas, and similar gaps at the organizational level are also widely documented.
• National and international regulatory frameworks governing information privacy, information security, and copyright/intellectual property are complex and in constant flux, placing additional burden on organizations to keep abreast of relevant regulatory and legal responsibilities.
• Governance and risk management related to information privacy, security, and ownership are critical to many job categories, including the emerging areas of information and knowledge management. There is an increasing need for skilled and knowledgeable individuals to fill organizational roles related to information management, with particular growth in these areas within the past 10 years. Our analysis of current job postings in Ontario supports the demand for skills and knowledge in these areas.

Key Competencies

• We have developed a set of key competencies across a range of areas that responds to these needs by providing a blueprint for the training of information managers prepared for leadership and strategic positions. These competencies are identified in the full report.
• Competency areas include:
  • conceptual foundations
  • risk assessment
  • tools and techniques for threat responses
  • communications
  • contract negotiation and compliance
  • evaluation and assessment
  • human resources management
  • organizational knowledge management
  • planning; policy awareness and compliance
  • policy development
  • project management

Notes

Knowledge synthesis report submitted to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada