LIBR 200-10
Information and Society
Spring 2003

Dr. Debra Hansen
E-mail

Course Links

Greensheet

Course Schedule

Online Lectures

GREENSHEET

I. Course Description

This is a class designed to explore the complex social, economic, historical, and technological developments that influence the impact of information on society. The mission, values, and ethics of information professionals are also analyzed.

II. Course and School Objectives

At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe the role of information from historical, current, and future perspectives;

2. Identify the various information sectors;

3. Describe and evaluate issues involved in creating and disseminating information in society, with particular attention paid to information literacy;

4. Understand the role of libraries and their relationship to other information providers;

5. Identify and discuss the major values and codes of ethics associated with the information professions;

6. Describe the impact of cultural diversity on the provision of user services by librarians and other
information professionals;

7. Describe and discuss important economic and policy issues related to the creation and dissemination of information;

8. Understand and have experience with different forms and genres of professional writing.

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

1. The foundation of information services;

2. Advocacy and leadership for citizen access to information and knowledge resources;

3. Evaluating and utilizing relevant research studies from a variety of disciplines.

III. Required Texts (Available at Titan Bookstore)

Rubin, Richard E. Foundations of Library and Information Science. New York: Neal-Schuman,
2000.

Eberhart, George M. The Whole Library Handbook 3: Current Data, Professional Advice, and
Curiosa about Libraries and Library Services. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000.

Miscellaneous articles and websites as assigned.

IV. Assignments

Reaction Paper. This is an informal paper that responds to issues raised in the online lecture and accompanying readings on the history of information. Instructions will be provided.

Annotated Bibliography. To introduce you to the tools and resources used in LIS research, this assignment asks you to compile an annotated bibliography of at least 15 library and information science reference sources. A bibliography and instructions will be provided.

Literature Review. This assignment requires you to survey what has been previously written on your term paper topic. The literature review should evaluate at least 12 works, describing their major findings and assessing their strengths and weaknesses. The goal of the literature review is to determine the current state of the literature and show the contribution your research will make. Instructions will be provided.

Research Paper. Write a formal research paper in which you analyze a significant issue confronting the information professional today. Paper topics may be selected from the areas covered in class or you may choose an issue of more personal interest that is relevant to the goals and objectives of this course. The text of your paper should be 15 to 20 pages in length; the reference list should include at least 20 citations. A bibliography is not required, but you may include one if you'd like to list sources not cited but consulted for background information and context. You will be graded on the extent of your research, your description and critical analysis of the topic, the evidence you provide in support of your argument, and the clarity and quality of your writing. You may follow the APA Publication Manual, MLA Style Manual, Turbian's Style Manual, or the Chicago Manual of Style in formatting the paper and preparing your references. Instructions will be provided.

Online lectures and discussions. Several of the class sessions will involve online lectures, outside reading, and discussion. Participation is mandatory.

IV. Grading and Due Dates

Grades for late assignments will be reduced by10 percent.

Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate students by San Jose State University:

100 - 97 = A
96 - 94 = A-
93 - 91 = B+
90 - 88 = B
87 - 85 = B-
84 - 82 = C+
81 - 79 = C
78 - 76 = C-
75 - 73 = D+

V. Office Hours

Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and by appointment
Email: E-mail
Phone: 714/278-7288