LIBR 210-01
Reference and Information Services
Fall 2004

Instructor: Lorene Sisson
E-mail
Classroom: D403

GREENSHEET

Course Description
The course is designed to present an overview of concepts, components, and current developments in reference and information services provided in various types of libraries.

The major topics are:

1. an explication of concepts/definitions and models/types of reference and information services;
2. a survey of reference sources in various types of formats;
3. a study of the evaluation, selection, and use of general reference sources by type of material;
4. theoretical frameworks and techniques supporting the practices of reference and information services; and
5. issues in information technology and its impact on the provision of reference and information services and on current models for the delivery of reference and information services to remote users, such as e-mail based and worldwide web-based service models and other mechanisms that apply network technology.

Course Objectives
At the completion of the course, the student should be able to perform the following:

1. demonstrate familiarity with a number of basic reference sources in various types of formats by efficiently and independently providing answers to sample questions designed to utilize those sources;
2. identify the various types of reference sources, including their characteristics and functions;
3. comprehend theoretical concepts and techniques that support the provision of reference and information services;
4. apply theory-into-practice approaches to provide basic reference and information services; and
5. identify state-of-the-art information technology and current models for the delivery of reference and information services.

The course supports the following School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) objectives:

The student will be able to understand the major theories and important principles of the foundation of information services, and in addition will demonstrate knowledge of current practices in (1) information transfer, and (2) information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources, and the application of diverse technologies to information services.

Course Materials

Textbook (required)
Bopp, Richard E., & Smith, Linda C. (2001). Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood , CO : Libraries Unlimited. [The textbook is available from Libraries Unlimited- 1-800-225-5800 - www.lu.com. Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and the Spartan Bookstore also sell this text. http://spartanbookstore.com/
Consider looking for a used text on the SJLISAdmin listserv.]

Additional course materials will be available either through Blackboard or as a restricted course reading. These readings/resources will also be listed at the Course Materials link on the green sidebar of this Greensheet.

Course Format
This course has 8 in-person meetings on the dates below. There is also one pre-meeting assignment due prior to the first meeting on August 30.

In person meetings on eight Mondays 7:00 p.m. -- 9:45 p.m.
Mod D403: 8/30, 9/27, 10/11, 10/25, 11/22, 12/6 
King Library Room 219: 9/13, 11/8

Please self-enroll yourselves to this class on Blackboard before the beginning of the first class. This will ensure that you receive the announcements of the class and are able to utilize Blackboard‘s other features.

Requirements
Students MUST:

1. Have access to computers with the following software: Internet/World Wide Web browsers (see “Technology Caveats” below), Microsoft Office (particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel), and Adobe Reader 5+.

2. Be proficient in Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

3. Be able to download files onto their computers from the Internet.

4. Be able to send/receive e-mails and use common web search engines (e.g., Google).

5. Know how to use Blackboard.

If you cannot meet these requirements, then please defer this class until you can. The instructors will not provide instruction on these requirements.

Blackboard
Stanley Laufer, the SLIS Network Administrator, has created a Blackboard Tutorials and Resources for SLIS Instructors and Students. It is located at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/blackboard/. Use the tutorial to learn how to set up your Blackboard account. Links are on the green sidebar of this Greensheet.

Assignment Manager
Submit all your papers to the Assignment Manager section of Blackboard.

Technology Caveat
The instructor has Windows-based computers. Macs may not be able to handle all the requirements of this course. You will have to have Internet Explorer 6 (IE 5 for the Mac) on your computer prior to the beginning of the class. Netscape 6+ is optional, but useful for comparing the appearance and functionality of reference sources and pathfinders on the web.

Office Hours
Office hours 7 – 8 p.m. via e-mail and/or phone on the Mondays that we do not meet.

I will post the answers to your questions within 72 hours and also have them available on the Monday office hours. You may be able to make an appointment to meet with me in person.

Assignments & Grades
There are seven graded assignments for this course. The percentage that each assignment contributes to your final grade is listed below, followed by only a brief description.

Details are on the Assignments link of the green sidebar. Please read these details carefully.

Assignments

Reference Observations: These observations are designed to help you evaluate reference interactions. This is an individual assignment.

Searching exercises : You will practice searching practical questions. This is an individual assignment.

 E-mail & Live Reference Transcripts : These assignments are designed to give you practice in using these technologies and reference sources,. They are individual assignments.

Treasure Hunt and Pathfinder: These assignments are designed to assist you in becoming familiar with a variety of information sources and their uses. They are group assignments.

Reference Source Instruction: Book Review(s) and Evaluation of Electronic Resource(s): The instruction session is designed to assist you in evaluating reference materials and in comprehending and applying library instruction concepts. You will design and present a library instruction session featuring the strengths, weaknesses and use of the reference source. This is a group assignment.

Class Attendance: Since there are only 8 on-site meetings, your presence is essential for the management of the class and your learning experience.

Grading and Criteria for Grading
Grades are determined by as combination of many factors – completed assignments as specified, with correct English, clear ideas, careful research, etc. Even if you have all these factors in your work, there is no guarantee of an A. The instructor gives the full range of grades – A-F.

Instructions for each assignment are posted under the Assignments section of this class’s web site. Assignments MUST be submitted by their specified due dates; late assignments are an automatic F. If you have a valid reason to submit your assignment late, you must nevertheless have written permission from the instructor, via e-mail -- PRIOR to the due date or the assignment will not be accepted.] This is only fair to students who have worked to get their assignments in on time.

Correct usage of academic English, spelling, grammar, and composition are expected. Note: You are encouraged to use spell check, grammar check, etc. Points will be deducted for failure to use academic English, correct spelling, grammar, and composition. Instructors will hold the written work of all students to the same high standard.

Non-native English speakers are therefore advised to sign up for a tutor before the semester starts to help them with the use of English and the expression of ideas. Tutoring service is available through the Learning Assistance Resource Center. Please look at their web site http://www.sjsu.edu/larc/. If you have any questions, please call LARC at 408-924-2587. Tutors are available on a first-come, first served basis. Since tutors may be all booked up soon, we urge that you sign up for a tutor. You can always cancel your participation by notifying the center later if you feel you don’t need the tutors’ service. In addition, the International Programs and Services Department - http://www2.sjsu.edu/depts/ipss/ - may be aware of other services to help you with your courses and career at San Jose State.

All assignments must be your own work. Sources must be properly cited in papers. The San Jose State University codes and rules governing plagiarism are in effect.

Plagiarism tutorial from Pamela Jackson: http://130.65.109.143/plagiarism/index.htm

Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy:
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

All graded assignments will be marked using the University’s Recommended Grading Scale for Graduate Students:

It is the responsibility of the student to maintain a copy of all graded and returned hard copies of materials for use as evidence in any question that might arise regarding the final grade in the course. Students will also be asked to submit their assignments via email if there is any problem with Blackboard.

Incompletes
Incompletes will be granted ONLY in cases of medical or family emergency. Medical or other proof will be required.

Disability
If you have a disability, first review the information about the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at http://www.drc.sjsu.edu Then, if you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, follow the procedure recommended by the DRC. If you have emergency medical information, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with the instructor, via e-mail You may be asked if you have first checked with the DRC.