LIBR 202
Information Retrieval
Spring 2003 - 1 Week Intensive
January 13-17 in San Jose

 Judy Tessier
jtessier@wahoo.sjsu.edu


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GREENSHEET

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.

Prerequisites:

Computer literacy is assumed, including downloading and installing software and internet use.

  TOPIC READINGS
Day 1 AM Introduction to course; Information Seeking Models; The User Model; Dervin exercise Marchionini, 1-2
  PM The Information Retrieval Model; Representation of Information Marchionini, 3-4
2 AM Attributes and rules; AACR2; In class attribute exercise  
  PM Lab; Authority Control and Indexing; Measuring performance and the Concept of Relevance Marchionini, 5-6
3 AM Midterm quiz
Classification Theory & Practice 		Marchionini, 7
  PM File Structures & Formal Database Models;Cognition and Information Processing  
4 AM Mental Models  
  PM Interfaces; Searching and Querying Systems Marchionini, 8-9
5 AM Z39.50 and client/servers; Internet site architecture;  
  PM Modeling a system  
Feb. 10   Vocabulary project and final due  

Textbooks:

Marchionini, Gary. Information Seeking in Electronic Environments. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.

Meadow, Charles T., Boyce, Bert R., and Kraft, Donald H. Text Information Retrieval Systems, 2nd ed. San Diego Press, 2000. (Recommended)

Grading:

Midterm 15 points
Final exam 50
Vocabulary design 25
Participation & Discussion 10

 

Grades are determined in the following manner:

90-100 A
88-90 A-
84-87 B+
79-83 B
70-78 B-
-70 C, F

 

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. Late assignments can only be accepted without penalty if prior arrangements are made with the instructor. All other late assignments will incur a grade reduction

If you have a disability that may affect your coursework, please contact the instructor to make accommodations.

 

 		 


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It was last updated on January 7, 2003