LIBR 210-13
Reference and Information Services
Spring 2004

Rachael Green Clemens
rclemens@fullerton.edu

Objectives

Textbook

Format & Calendar

Assignments

Grading

Instructor

GREENSHEET

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A process-oriented examination of how information professionals effectively answer reference questions. The course emphasizes three components of the reference transaction:  1) the interpersonal skills required for effective question negotiation  2) the sources with which questions are answered and 3) current avenues of reference transaction (face-to-face, email and online chat). 
Prerequisite: LIBR 202

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

1. Understand the nature of the reference process and the communication skills required to determine the user's real question and the information problem.

2. Have a working knowledge of the standard reference tools involved in answering users' questions and be able to evaluate the value and appropriateness of those tools in different information settings.

3. Be familiar with current issues pertaining to reference and information services, including digital reference, information seeking behavior, special populations, ethics, information literacy, and the evaluation of reference quality.

PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

This course supports the School's program goal "to prepare students…to function effectively as information management professionals in libraries, information centers and related environments." It incorporates the program's objectives by:

• Studying the major theories, important principles, and current practices of reference and information services
• Analyzing the communication process
• Examining information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination, and utilization of information sources
• Applying these theories and principles to a culturally diverse environment

TEXTBOOK

Bopp, R.E. and Smith, L.C. (2001) Reference and Information Services: An introduction (3rd edition). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

COURSE FORMAT & TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

This is a hybrid course - meaning we will meet physically eight times throughout the semester at the Fullerton campus and will also interact online through the Blackboard component. 

The class will meet at Cal State University Fullerton in SJSU classroom room 69 in the basement of Pollak Library South.  The dates and times are:

To succeed in this hybrid course, you must have the following:

• A Blackboard account (instructions and tutorial available at http://witloof.sjsu.edu/blackboard/)
• An email account that allows you to send and receive attachments
• Internet access and an up-to-date web browser
• Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader 5+

Students should self-enroll and log into the Blackboard course, LIBR_210_13_CLEMENS available through http://tigris.sjsu.edu

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS

1. Resource Evaluation (15% of final grade)
2. Chat or Email Reference Exercise (10% of final grade)
3. Desk Reference Exercise (10% of final grade)
4. Pathfinder Project or Reference Questions Project (25% of final grade)
5. Bibliographic Instruction Presentation (35% of final grade)

Full assignment instructions, including assignment objectives, submission instructions, and grading rubrics are available on the Blackboard component under Assignments.

GRADING POLICY

This course will follow the University recommended grading scale for graduate students:
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+

Late assignments will not be accepted unless previously approved by the instructor.

It is the responsibility of the student to keep copies of all submitted assignments and all graded materials returned to the student by the instructor until grades are officially issued.

Incompletes will be assigned only in cases of medical or family emergency. Medical or other proof will be required.

INSTRUCTOR EXPECTATIONS

1. Communication in this course is essential. Plan to check your email and Blackboard at least two times per week for messages or announcements.

2. All assignments must be submitted by the due date. Assignment instructions should be followed exactly; points will be deducted for failure to follow directions. Students are expected to submit assignments that are free of spelling and grammatical errors. All sources must be correctly cited using the APA style manual.

3. Class participation is an integral component to this course.  Readings for assigned weeks should be done before class so that you are prepared to discuss the material in an informed manner.  Students are encouraged to bring outside articles, topics or questions to class for at-large discussion. 

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Rachael Clemens is Distance Education Librarian at California State University Fullerton (CSUF).  She also coordinates library services at the new CSUF El Toro Branch Campus.  Previously she worked as a corporate librarian at Toyota Motor Sales, public relations administrator with Lexus (the automobile manufacturer - not the database), and adjunct faculty at Texas Woman's University.  She received her MLS from Texas Woman's University and an undergraduate degree from Concord College, WV. 

During the spring 2004 semester, there will be no formal office hours, but students may send messages to the instructor at rclemens@fullerton.edu any time during the week (Monday-Saturday) and can expect an answer within 48 hours. In-person meetings are welcomed and may be arranged by appointment.  Students are encouraged to contact me via email or phone (714) 278-7543.