LIBR 210-02
Reference and Information Services
Summer 2003 (July 7 - August 15)
Two onsite meetings: 7/14 and 8/4 from 9am-4pm plus web
Classroom: IS 134 and D402

Mengxiong Liu, Ph.D.
mliu@wahoo.sjsu.edu
Summer 2003 Tel. (408) 808-2089
Office: King Library 4059
Call or email for appt.

Course Links

Greensheet

Calendar

Readings

Handouts

Source lists

Assignments

Blackboard

Blackboard tutorials

  

GREENSHEET

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 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.

SLIS Objectives:
• Information transfer
• Selection and utilization of information resources

Required Text

• Katz, William A. (2002). Introduction to Reference Work. 8th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill (Call #: Z711 .K32 2002). This book has two volumes. Vol. 1 is the required textbook and can be purchased at SJSU Spartan Bookstore or via www.bn.com. One copy on reserve at SJSU Library.

Readings

The reading list is on the course web page.

Course Requirements:

• 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.

Students MUST be able to:
1. Access the Internet/WWW, Microsoft Office (Word and PowerPoint), and Adobe Reader.
2. Send/receive e-mails and know how to use the Internet effectively and search common web search engines (e.g., Google).
3. Know how to use Blackboard. The tutorial is on the SLIS web page (on blue menu, select "Computing", "Blackboard", "Blackboard Tutorials"..

Blackboard

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST ENROLL YOURSELVES TO THE COURSE BLACKBOARD BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS (JULY 7 FOR SUMMER 2003) TO ENSURE THAT YOU RECEIVE THE ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Grading:

Assignment #1: Short report - 10%
Assignment #2: Reference tools exercise – 15%
Assignment #3: Pathfinder project – 15%
Assignment #4: Virtual reference project – 15%
Assignment #5: Observation paper – 15%
Final project: Research paper - 30%

Grading Policy:
Grades are determined in the following manner. Late assignments are not accepted unless previously approved by the instructor.

100
95-99
90-94
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
65-69
60-64 		A+
A
A-
B+
B
B-
C+
C
C-

 

 

 

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It is maintained by slisweb@wahoo.sjsu.edu.
It was last updated on May 26, 2003