LIBR 210-04
Reference and Information Services
Spring 2005

Instructor: Robert Aaron
E-mail
Appointments and contacts via Blackboard

GREENSHEET

| Textbooks | Course Requirements | Grading |

Course Description

This course presents an overview of reference contexts, processes and resources. The main thrust of the class is on learning how to answer reference questions appropriately and effectively, with special emphasis on (1) the communication and intellectual skills needed to do this and (2) identifying and knowing the information resources available.

Prerequisite: LIBR 202

The class will address:

• The history, development and philosophy of reference services in various library/nonlibrary settings
• The nature of questions and answers
• The way to think about reference questions
• The broad spectrum of reference tools and how to use them
• The use and misuse of reference technologies
• The methods for evaluating reference tools
• The many audiences for reference services
• The various ways reference services can be delivered
• The ethical aspects of reference services
• The role of reference skills and services in the information professions
• The likely development of reference services in the future

Specific skills and knowledge that will be covered include:

• Conducting good reference interviews
• Properly understanding questions (and managing user expectations)
• Knowing the core reference resources in multiple disciplines: what they are, how to use them, and how to combine them
• Evaluating the quality and appropriateness of reference services and resources
• Management of reference collections, services, and delivery of results

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students will:

• Understand the reference process in various contexts
• Be comfortable working with people who are seeking information
• Demonstrate the ability to satisfy their requests through the appropriate use of information resources
• Have a working knowledge of the core reference tools used in various disciplines
• Be able to discover resources in new topical areas quickly
• Be able to evaluate the quality, accuracy, comprehensiveness, timeliness, and utility of reference sources and services
• Be acquainted with reference practice in library, virtual and digital settings
• Be familiar with theory, issues and trends in reference services

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

• SLIS supports an environment and curriculum that prepares students to function effectively in libraries, information centers, schools, and other relevant institutions.
• SLIS prepares students for professional practice in information management through selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources
• SLIS contributes to the knowledge base of the information community by engaging in basic and applied research and communicating its results through faculty and student presentations, activities, and publications.

Textbooks

Required Text
This class does not have any required texts. All assigned readings will be available via Blackboard, university-provided databases, or the Web

Recommended Texts
Students are encouraged to be familiar with the professional literature of reference, especially journals such as Reference and User Services Quarterly, The Reference Librarian, and Reference Services Review. Publications such as Information Today, ONLINE, Searcher and other research/database trade press journals are also recommended.

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Course Requirements

This course will be delivered via Blackboard. There is a "Blackboard Tutorials and Resources for SLIS Instructors and Students" site located at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/blackboard/. Use the tutorial to learn how to set up your Blackboard account.

Course enrollment dates are January 25-26, 2005.

As this is a Web-based course, all assignments for this class will be distributed via Blackboard. Please check your Blackboard e-mail on a regular basis. You may contact me via e-mail, and I will make every effort to respond promptly (within 48 hours at the latest). Please remember that I live in the Eastern time zone.

All assignments will be evaluated for thoroughness, analysis, creativity, and thoughtfulness. Clarity and accuracy in writing is a basic professional requirement – incorrect grammar will not be tolerated. All assignments are to have a professional appearance, using consistent formatting and citing techniques. Consult the SLIS APA Style Resources page for further specifics. In addition to grades received on the assignments, active participation in online discussions throughout the semester will be graded.

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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Grading

This class will follow the University Recommended Grading Scale for Graduate Students:

Plagiarism
Your work must be your own. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It’s as simple as that.

For more information, refer to the SJSU regulations governing plagiarism and the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy.

• http://info.sjsu.edu (search option: Academic Dishonesty)
• SJSU Academic Integrity Policy: http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

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