Dick Kawooya’s current research interests focus on the role of information (intellectual property) in fostering innovation. He is specifically looking at the role and impact of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in the exchange of innovation between formal institutions (universities, research centers, libraries, etc) and informal businesses or sectors in Africa. Kawooya’s research interests fit the broad theme of access and flow of information. He has particular interest in the ethical and legal barriers to information access and flows often with the library institution as the backdrop.
Kawooya’s philosophy and approach to teaching focuses on fostering student-centered learning with particular emphasis on supporting students as learners. He has found this particularly relevant and useful in the last several years of teaching online courses using a variety of platforms. Kawooya’s teaching experiences reflect a wide range of library and information science areas including policy and ethics, foundations of library and information services, intersection of globalization and information technology, economics of information and research methods. He has also taught in the global studies program focusing on courses related to information in the global economy and/or contexts.
