LIBR 202-12
Information Retrieval
Spring 2005

Feb. 11
1 weekend + Web
San Diego

Instructor: Judy Tessier
E-mail

GREENSHEET

| Textbooks | Prerequisites | Schedule | Assignments and Grading |

Course Description

This course is a survey of the principles of information retrieval and their application to information systems and services. The course emphasizes models of user information seeking behavior and human information processing and their relationships to retrieval models in information systems. It explores the fundamental processes of description, classification, information structures, database models, and intermediation as those processes are reflected in information systems of all types, including, but not limited to, libraries. In addition, the course explores various information systems to illustrate principles.

Course Objectives

Introduction of the student to:

• User information seeking processes;
• Those user characteristics that affect information seeking and use;
• Basic concepts of information systems.

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

• Describe appropriate models of information seeking processes and factors;
• Describe the salient characteristics of an information system using the model introduced and developed in the course;
• Describe how the characteristics of information systems and users interact in the effective use of information.

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

• The student will know and be able to identify the major theories and important principles as well as to demonstrate current practice in (1) information transfer, (2) information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and utilization of information resources, and (3) the application of diverse technologies to information management.
• The student will be provided with the opportunity to evaluate and utilize relevant research from a variety of disciplines.

Textbooks

Marchionini, Gary. Information Seeking in Electronic Environments. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. (available at Marchionini’s site, see readings list)

Meadow, Charles T., Boyce, Bert R., and Kraft, Donald H. Text Information Retrieval Systems, 2nd ed. San Diego Press, 2000. (Required) (some chapters available online in course readings)

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Prerequisites

Computer literacy is assumed including downloading and installing software and use of the Internet. Join the class Blackboard site after you have registered.

Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
Students who need accommodation due to a disability must register with SJSU's Disability Resource Center (DRC) during the first three weeks of the semester. The Center will work with the students to determine the disability, document it, and determine the services and accommodations necessary for student success. Then, the DRC will contact the faculty member to determine the types of consideration necessary.

Students attending the Fullerton campus should first contact the Disability Resource Center in San Jose since they are SJSU students. The DRC will then direct the students to supporting resources on the Fullerton campus.

The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/

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Schedule

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Assignments and Grading

Grades are determined in the following manner:

The class GPA for Libr 202 generally runs between 80-85 (B or B+). University policy states that competent graduate level work is B. Reading and written assignments are due on the dates on the calendar.

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

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