LIBR 200-10
Information and Society
Summer 2008 Greensheet
Steve Tash
E-mail
Phone: 949.683.7151 9am-7pm PST
Office Hours: E-mail, Telephone Appointments & Instant Messaging via YahooMessenger
| Course Links Greensheet Restricted Readings |
Video Welcome Captioned Uncaptioned |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials SLIS eBookstore |
Textbooks | Course Requirements
Students must self-enroll for this course on Blackboard between and will be required to use a password access code which I will provide the PASSWORD using the MySJSU Messaging system. SELF Enrollment will begin May 27 and June 2.
Note: There are three mandatory Elluminate sessions scheduled for this class. See section on Elluminate below. Make sure you place the appropriate dates and times for your PARTICULAR 200 SECTION onto your calendar.
Course Description
Explores 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.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated computer literacy
Course Objectives
At the completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Describe the role of information from historical, current, and future perspectives;
- Identify the various information sectors;
- Describe and evaluate issues involved in creating and disseminating information in society, with particular attention paid to information literacy;
- Understand the role of libraries and their relationship to other information providers;
- Identify and discuss the major values and codes of ethics associated with the information professions;
- Describe the impact of cultural diversity on the provision of user services by librarians and other information professionals;
- Describe and discuss important economic and policy issues related to the creation and dissemination of information;
- Understand and have experience with different forms and genres of professional writing
Course Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Know the foundations and structure of the information profession;
- Locate, evaluate, and utilize scholarly and professional literature;
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of major issues in library and information science.
LIBR 200 course supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- Articulate the ethics, values and foundational principles of library and information professionals and their role in the promotion of intellectual freedom;
- Compare the environments and organizational settings in which library and information professionals practice;
- Recognize the social, cultural and economic dimensions of information use;
- Understand the nature of research, research methods and research findings; retrieve, evaluate and synthesize scholarly and professional literature for informed decision-making by specific client groups;
- Demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for group work, collaborations and professional level presentations.
In addition, this section supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of current information and communication technologies, and other related technologies, as they affect the resources and uses of libraries and other types of information providing entities.
These competencies are supplemented by statements specific to the School's program tracks and areas of specialization.
The School provides structured opportunities and activities for the development of desirable personal attributes and qualities but recognizes a shared responsibility with the students themselves, associations, employers and other client groups. As articulated by professional associations, the School strives to develop commitment to service, flexibility, leadership, vision, communication, self-motivation, collaboration, mutual respect and trust, independence, respect for diversity, courage, tenacity, critical and creative thinking, professional involvement, networking and personal career planning.
Textbooks and Readings
Recommended Textbooks
SJSU SLIS has purchased the site license for the APA publication guides. Thus with this option SLIS will place a copy of the .pdf on its secure network and make the .pdf accessible only to its authorized users. Users may print copies for personal use only, and the presentation of the .pdf on the institution's web site must clearly indicate this. In addition to the personal user copies, the institution may print hard copies of the APA Style Guide to Electronic References equivalent in number to the copies of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association®, Fifth Edition, which the institution has in its holdings. I am recommending that students take advantage of this license and download a free copy of the Electronic References guidebook and purchase the APA Publication Manual from SLIS website. http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/resources/apa_refguide.htm APA Style guide to Electronic Resources.
Course Requirements
Complete the New Student Technology Workshop
This is a mandatory short, self-paced online workshop on Blackboard that must be completed by all new SLIS students before the first day of classes. The access code for this course will be sent to new students via MySJSU. If you have questions about this course, e-mail Debbie Faires or Dale David.
For more information, see http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/blackboardintro.htm
Blackboard
Check Blackboard course site for Announcements, Assignments for exact due dates and times.
Web Based Instruction
The class is primarily Web based using Blackboard and Elluminate. It will be necessary for students to self-enroll using the following URL: http://tigris.sjsu.edu/
This Blackboard self-enrollment process is in addition to the normal course registration. In other words you must be formally registered for the class prior to doing the Blackboard self-enrollment. Students must self-enroll for this course on Blackboard. You will be required to use a password access code which I will provide using the MySJSU Messaging system.
You will post your assignments utilizing the Blackboard Assignment Manager. We will not be using the digital drop box section of Blackboard. Go direct to each assignment and at bottom of text description there is a link to Save/Cancel/Submit. Use this link to submit your work via WORD document.
This course satisfies the University graduate writing requirement.
Required Home Computing Environment
Please see the School’s “Home Computing Requirements” at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm
Attendance/Participation
Participation in online projects, virtual office hours, virtual discussions with instructor and special guests and within Blackboard discussion forums is crucial to learning in the online environment. We will make heavy use of Elluminate** software for instructor office hours, online chats and discussions during the term. Reading/viewing/listening to required materials will enhance your ability to participate in these discussions. Check Blackboard regularly for detailed assignments and updates.
This course satisfies the University graduate writing requirement.
Blackboard
This course will be conducted entirely online using the Blackboard Learning System and Elluminate. Lectures, assignments, and most communications, including discussions and announcements, will be conducted via Blackboard. Elluminate will be used for the virtual office hours and presentation sessions.
Please see the Blackboard Tutorials on how to enroll in a Blackboard course at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/blackboard/search_enroll/enroll.htm. To self-enroll in the Blackboard site for this course you must:
- Be registered for the course FIRST.
- The access code for the Blackboard site will be sent to those enrolled in the class via the My.SJSU.edu messaging system a few days prior to the beginning of the course.
You must be extremely organized, disciplined and self-motivated in order to complete an online course successfully. Though you can access the course materials online anytime, plan to set aside time each day to complete the readings and assignments. It’s too easy to get behind quickly.
Elluminate
There are THREE required Elluminate sessions scheduled for this class on the following dates.
| 7/10/08 | 6pm-8:30pm PST/LIS Association & Journal TEAM presentations |
| 7/19 | 9am-11:30am PST/Social networking & field analysis TEAM presentations |
| 7/24 | 6pm-8:30pm PST/ Team Reaction Issues & readings/Elluminate |
Students will need to have a microphone attached to their computer to participate. It is recommended that you log in at least 10 minutes before class to check the audio. Make sure you utilize the Elluminate Drop-in center. They have weekday and weekend hours and a tutor is there to assist you with your needs. I expect to have one or two LIS student assistants that will be assigned to help my students with Elluminate during this term.
You are required to complete an orientation session with Debbie Faires prior to participating in the first session. For a list of training times and other helpful information, see the SLIS Student Guide to Elluminate at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/software/elluminate/students/index.htm
General Expectations for Students:
- Have the minimal home computing environment as described at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm
- Use a current virus protection program to scan all assignments before they are submitted electronically to Blackboard, other students and to your instructor
- Enroll in Blackboard to receive communications from your instructor (http://tigris.sjsu.edu/)
- Submit assignments electronically using BB assignment manager.
- Submit assignments by midnight of the due date. An assignment submitted after the due date may be subjected to a grade penalty.
- Create assignments using Microsoft Word and double space in no more than a 12-point font
- Be proficient with developing PowerPoint presentations and making presentations on Elluminate (i.e. web tour, application sharing, and PowerPoint slides).
- Consistently follow the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.) for formats, citations and references
- Avoid spelling, grammatical and syntactical errors
- Be able to utilize Elluminate **as an online environment for virtual office hours, virtual chats and discussions. Students may utilize BB group chat/virtual classroom functions within their group profile with their group colleagues.
**Elluminate Support: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/de/tutorials/elluminate/more.htm
Use the Elluminate tutorials to learn how to upload PowerPoint presentations and how to utilize their feature "application sharing" and verify your microphone and speakers are in operational order. You can use Elluminate with text messaging if you have no microphone. SLIS will be providing student training with Elluminate so check your listserv postings.
Also join the school’s electronic list, SLISADMIN, to get official or administrative messages from SLIS. Find directions at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/electroniclists.htm or
choose Electronic Lists under the Computing pull-down menu on the SLIS Web site.
Assignments
Assignments are intended to further the learning objectives and student outcomes for the course. In general students are expected to read the assigned course readings, view the instructor’s presentations pertaining to the material in the course, listen to any audio content that is occasionally posted, and complete the following specifically evaluated assignments. Further details of these evaluated assignments will be provided as they are assigned during the course. The evaluated assignments for this course are the following:
- CLASS PARTICIPATION
A portion of the overall grade is allocated for class participation. For the purposes of this class, participation includes attendance at all Elluminate sessions, thoughtful contribution to class discussions at our Elluminate presentations, team interaction, web tutorial completion and other activities and demonstrations. Participation in class discussion is critical to the conduct of this course because I believe active communication is a major component in the total interactive-learning experience. - LIS Professional Association/LIS Journal-TEAM project/Elluminate Presentation
Oral presentation skills and working with a team are essential in graduate school and in professional life as well. This particular assignment provides important practice in these work skills. In this assignment, students will work together as a team to understand, analyze, and evaluate a LIS Association AND a LIS Journal. Students will learn to research effectively, analyze resources to create a collaborative Media Presentation. They will focus this Elluminate presentation on informing the class audience of the full scope of both the organization and the scholarly LIS journal.
- Readings
Each week there may be:- article readings regarding information and society, and;
- other readings & tutorials as assigned, including e-journal articles and web tutorials, webcasts and/or podcasts and blog readings.
- 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 must be at least 15 pages in length; the reference list should include at least 20 citations. The reference list lists only those sources actually cited in your research paper. 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 as well as your adherence to technical requirements such as page numbers, margins, font size, and proper citation. Your references and formatting should adhere to the rules established in the APA Publication Manual. - (a) Library Field Analysis/Social networking Tool (Elluminate presentations)
Oral presentation skills and working with a team are essential in graduate school and in professional life as well. This particular assignment provides important practice in these work skills. In this assignment, students will work together as a team to understand, analyze, and evaluate various Social networking resources as they pertain to library and information science. Students will learn to research effectively, analyze resources, and analyze primary sources to create a collaborative Media Presentation. They will focus this Elluminate presentation on informing the class audience of the full scope of the Social Networking tool/resource. The teams will be allowed to select ONE social networking tool and develop a presentation to “showcase’ in terms of library utilization or potential use. The LIS Team formed for the Association/Journal will be work on Field Analysis/Social Networking Project.
OR
(b) Library Field Analysis
The instructor will select remaining teams to Visit two different types of libraries to observe the provision of information services. These teams will compare and contrast these libraries with a critical eye.
Teams will develop an Elluminate Presentation in which they Create a blog, wiki, video, You Tube clip, PowerPoint, website, web tour, MP3 audio, MySpace page, Facebook page, 2nd Life World, podcast etc. - Team Reports on Selected Course Readings AND LIS Reaction issues
Oral presentation skills and working with a team are essential in graduate school and in professional life as well. This particular assignment provides important practice in these work skills. Each Team will analyze TWO items (one course reading and one reaction issue). Prepare to teach an aspect of the reading AND Reaction issue assigned to team as a lesson to the class. Make your presentation on Elluminate. Team must Create a blog, wiki, video, You Tube clip, PowerPoint, website, web tour, Facebook page, MySpace page, MP3 audio, podcast etc.
The LIS Team formed for the Association/Journal will be assigned specific LIS reaction issues & Course readings by instructor. - Job Hunt Research Project
Student will locate, evaluate, and utilize scholarly and professional literature in order to write a critical essay on a specialized job hunt case study. An analysis of current and future job trends along with job ads utilized and professional literature consulted and evidence of critical reflection on your own educational and employment background relevant to job opportunities and expectations. Your essay should tell what you plan to do over the short and long term to enhance your job prospects.
Grading Philosophy
Completing all assignments accurately and on time will earn a grade of B. To raise this grade, you will need to demonstrate above average creativity, imagination, analysis, and scholarship. Unexcused late assignments will receive a grade of C or lower. Reading late assignments is at the instructor’s discretion. Illness and emergencies are usually the only good excuses.
Course Assignment Due Dates
(subject to change with fair notice)
| Participation A portion of the overall grade is allocated for class participation. For the purposes of this class, participation includes attendance at all Elluminate sessions, thoughtful contribution to class discussions, web tutorial completions, Elluminate presentations and other activities that demonstrate that you are making an effort to master the material covered in the course. Participate in Elluminate virtual office hours, online tutorials and web tutorials. |
5 |
| Research paper | 30 |
| LIS Association/LIS Journal project/Elluminate presentation | 15 |
| Social network/Library Field Analysis Team Elluminate presentation | 15 |
| Job Hunt Case Study | 20 |
| Course Readings & Reaction issues/Elluminate Presentation | 15 |
| TOTAL | 100 |
Grading Policy/Papers:
Everyone begins class with a grade of "B", the standard grade for graduate level work. Students who satisfactorily complete assignments on time; attend classes; and actively participate in class exercises and discussions (in class and in Blackboard discussion forums) will receive the "B" provided the quality of written work meets the rigorous scholarly standard
for the University. This course satisfies the University graduate writing requirement.
Grading Scale
The standard SJSU SLIS Grading Scale is utilized for all SLIS courses:
| 97-100 | A |
| 94-96 | A- |
| 91-93 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 85-87 | B- |
| 82-84 | C+ |
| 79-81 | C |
| 76-78 | C- |
| 73-75 | D+ |
| 70-72 | D |
| 67-69 | D- |
| Below 67 | F |
In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:
- C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
- B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work;
- A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.
Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.
In general, graduate work should exhibit clarity and be well written in a logical, coherent fashion.
Above standard work is defined as clearly displaying one or more of the following criteria:
- Originality in the approach to the assignment
- Greater depth of analysis than the written assignment expects
- Critical evaluation of readings comparing authors, sources or different viewpoints
- Ability to organize information for oneself and others plus create tools for lifelong learning and knowledge retrieval
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability,
please e-mail me as soon as possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires
that students with disabilities register with the Disability Resource Center
(DRC) to establish record of their disability.
No matter where students reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
Academic Integrity
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University's Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The policy on academic integrity can be found at http://sa.sjsu.edu/student_conduct.
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