LIBR200
INFORMATION AND SOCIETY
Fall 2004

PROFESSOR: C. JAMES SCHMIDT
OFFICE: 123 MOD E
E-mail
PHONE: 408-924-2465
FAX: 408-924-2476
OFFICE HOURS: Tu-W-Th 11:00a-12:00p or by appointment

GREENSHEET

SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS: TUESDAYS, 1:00 – 3:30PM
August 31; September 7, 14, 21, 28 (NB No class on 10/5); October 12, 19, 26 ; November 2, 9, 16 (NB No class on November 23), 30; December 7.
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REQUIRED TEXT: Rubin, Richard. Foundations of Library and Information Science (Neal-Schuman)

Recommended Additional Text: The Whole Library Handbook 3, compiled by George Eberhart (ALA, 2000)

OBJECTIVES: An overview of library and information science; an introduction to basic issues; opportunities to do group and individual assignments both oral and written; an initial experience with technology enriched learning.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. WORTHY INTRODUCTION: Prepare an introduction for one of the persons listed (see "Worthies List"), as though he/she were a guest speaker. Send a note to the class reflector list with the name of the person you chose [Deadline 5p September 8]. You will be called upon to present your introduction to the class, as though we were the professional meeting which the guest speaker was addressing. First presentations will be September 14! [Hint: it will help you present your introduction if you role play, that is, pretend that the class really is the audience at a professional meeting and that the person you are introducing really is present.] The goal is to use your presentation and speaking skills and to engage the audience for the speaker. Be brief and entertaining! 15%

2. JOURNAL/ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS – Working in a team, prepare TWO analyses: one of a professional journal and one of a significant professional association. See the Association/Journal List. These analyses shall be submitted to the class reflector list by 5:00pm, September 17. 15%

For the journal: identify the publisher, editor, editorial board (if any), frequency, price, typical contents – articles, reviews, etc., whether articles are refereed and if so who the referees are. Answer the following question: why is this journal important for the working professional.

For the association: identify the association’s location, size, membership criteria, dues, finances, conferences (frequency and locations), current officers, web site. Interview a member or officer of this association. Explain the importance or lack thereof of this association to the working professional.

3. CRITICAL NOTE:
Write a “critical note” on an – article or chapter – relevant to one of the modules of the course. The item must be in addition to the required reading for that module. Submit your critical note to the class reflector list not later than 5:00 pm on the Thursday before the class for which the module is scheduled. The “note” should be no longer than 1000 words. This is writing for a graduate course and is going to be read by everyone in the class. 20%

4. RESEARCH PAPER: Due: November 30
Write a research paper of no more than 15 pages, excluding notes and bibliography,on a topic of your choice – from one of the course modules or some other topic. Use American Psychological Association (aka APA) style manual.

Imagine that you will be submitting this paper to a professional or scholarly journal for review and possible publication. This paper accounts for nearly a third of your grade in this graduate class. It must be your best writing; the quality of your writing has a very significant impact on whether your message gets through.

Two outstanding papers may be selected for presentation at the final meeting of the class – December 7. Choose a classmate to introduce you in case your paper is chosen. 30%

5. CLASS PARTICIPATION:
Part of the grade for this graduate course will be based on your contributions in class (see below “Grading”). Be prepared to discuss and comment on the readings and on the critical notes distributed by your colleagues via the class reflector. Silence isn’t golden, nor is undue fondness for one’s own voice. 20%

GRADING:

15% JOURNAL/ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS
15% WORTHY INTRODUCTION
20% CLASS PARTICIPATION
20% CRITICAL NOTE
30% RESEARCH PAPER

Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

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