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Textbooks | Course Requirements
You must enroll yourselves to the course Blackboard before the first day of class (August 31, 2005) to ensure that you receive the announcements on time. I will provide you with a password access code using the MySJSU messaging system.
Four onsite meetings (4-8pm) on
- August 31,
- September 14,
- October 19,
- November 16
Classroom: Mod D402 or King Library
Course Description
This is a process-oriented introductory course describing how reference librarians and other information professionals answer questions asked by their patrons or clients. The course emphasizes two aspects of the system developed for this function: the interpersonal skills to determine the information needs of the inquirer; and the knowledge of sources and search techniques to fill the need and help the inquirer solve her or his problem. Sources include print, microform, electronic (CD-ROM, online, Internet, WWW), and people. Perspectives of digital reference service will also be discussed.
Course Goals and Objectives
- To understand the problem-solving process in a variety of situations, and the functions of library reference services;
- To identify the standard reference tools employed by librarians and information professionals;
- To learn how to answer a variety of reference questions, and how to conduct reference interviews;
- To examine how to libraries provide reference services in the digital age.
This course supports the following SLIS objectives:
- Information transfer
- Selection and utilization of information resources
Textbooks
Required Text
Katz, William A. (2002). Introduction to Reference Work. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. This book has two volumes. Vol. 1 is the required textbook and can be purchased via www.bn.com.
Additional Readings
The reading list is on the course Blackboard.
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Course Requirements
General Requirements
The general requirements for this course are:
- Studying reference sources in various formats;
- Answering reference questions assigned;
- Reading the literature of reference;
- Six assignments including papers, projects and 4 hours of observation of reference work in libraries;
- Class participation including role-playing, presentations, and group exercises.
Technology Requirements
Students MUST be able to:
- Access the Internet/WWW, Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint), and Adobe Reader.
- Send/receive e-mails and know how to use the Internet effectively and search common Web search engines (e.g., Google).
- Know how to use Blackboard. The tutorial is on the SLIS Web page.
Blackboard
You must enroll yourselves to the course Blackboard before the first day of class (August 31, 2005) to ensure that you receive the announcements on time. I will provide you with a password access code using the MySJSU messaging system.
Assignments and Evaluation
Summary of assignments and their worth:
Assignment #1
Paper on reference librarian |
10% |
Assignment #2
Reference tools exercise |
20% |
Assignment #3
Reference core collection project (group project) |
20% |
Assignment #4
Virtual reference project (group project) |
20% |
Assignment #5
Observation paper |
20% |
Class Participation
(including Blackboard discussion and 24/7 reference practice) |
10% |
Grading Policy
Grades are determined in the following manner. Late assignments are not accepted unless previously approved by the instructor.
| 100 |
A+ |
| 95-99 |
A |
| 90-94 |
A- |
| 85-89 |
B+ |
| 80-84 |
B |
| 75-79 |
B- |
| 70-74 |
C+ |
| 65-69 |
C |
| 60-64 |
C- |
Academic Integrity
Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf
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 José 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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