LIBR 210
REFERENCE and Information Services
Summer 2004

Professor Steve Tash
travelstudy@yahoo.com
Voice: 702-837-0411

GREENSHEET

Reminder : Students must self-enroll for this course on Blackboard during these dates: May 26 -June 7

Course Description

This is a process-oriented course that examines how information professionals answer questions. This course emphasizes two central components of the reference process: 1). the interpersonal skills needed to determine the information desired by the inquirer; and 2). the reference sources and search techniques librarians employ to answer these questions.

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, the student should be able to:

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

This course supports the following SLIS objectives:

• The foundation of information services;
• Advocacy and leadership for citizen access to information and knowledge resources;
• Evaluating and utilizing relevant research studies from a variety of disciplines.

SLIS goals and objectives can be found at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/mission.htm

Textbooks: Bopp, Richard E., & Smith, Linda C. (2001). Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood , CO : Libraries Unlimited. (Required)

[You may order the textbook from Libraries Unlimited. The telephone number is 1-800-225-5800. The address for their web site is www.lu.com.] Check CSUF Bookstore as well as Online Retailers such as http://www.barnesandnobel.com
http://www.amazon.com

http://www.varsitybooks.com

• American Psychological Association. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. 5th ed. Washington , D.C. : APA. [RECOMMENDED] This is the standard used for the MLS program at SJSU.

Onsite Sessions:

This course meets onsite at the CSUF campus only FOUR times during the Summer Session. Attendance is required. All sessions are 9 am to 5 pm .

• Friday 6/4
• Thursday 6/24
• Friday 7/16
• Friday 7/30

Web Based Instruction:

The class will primarily be Web based using Blackboard. It will be necessary for students to self-enroll using the following URL: http://tigris.sjsu.edu/ the first week of the session.

This Blackboard self-enrollment process is in addition to the normal course registration. In other words you must be formally registered for the class prior to doing the Blackboard self-enrollment.

You will post your assignments to Blackboard.com discussion board and the Blackboard Assignment Manager. Watch for specific instructions.

Assignments:

Reference Source Projects: These assignments are designed to assist you in becoming familiar with a variety of information sources and their uses. The source projects may be conducted as group assignments. Instructions will be provided. Due Dates: June 15,22,29.

Electronic Resources Project (due 6/26)
Project Description

For this project, students will select, examine and evaluate an electronic resource–either CD-ROM or web-based. Students will then develop a users’ guide for this electronic resource.

Tasks

Step 1: Select an electronic resource. Utilize the King library Database collection. Possible electronic resources include:

• Bibliographic tools (e.g. OCLC WorldCat, RLIN, BIP)
• indexing and abstracting tools (e.g. Wilson Indexes, InfoTrac, FirstSearch, Healthnet, NewsBank, SIRS, EBSCO, UMI, Columbia Granger’s World of Poetry, PAIS, LEXIS,) encyclopedias (e.g. Britannica, World Book, Americana , Encarta)

Step 2: Write a narrative description (2-3 pages max) of the electronic resource, addressing the criteria below.

Reading some reviews of the product should help! When possible, compare the electronic version to its print counterpart. Do not email or call or ask King library reference librarians for help with this assignment. You should be able to locate the data on your own from the vendor and various electronic media sources.

• Publisher
• Format
• Cost
• Content
• Scope (years, subjects)
• Depth
• Timeliness
• Access (searching capabilities, sample searches)
• What type of library/users would use this resource

 

Step 3: Create a "quick start" users’ guide (1 page max). Think about what a library patron would need to know to get started using this electronic resource independently, such as:

• When this would be an appropriate resource to use
• How to get started
• The basics of executing a search (include some examples)
• How to expand or refine a search
• Common pitfalls (what to watch out for)
• What to do with the results (to the stacks? print? download? email? )

Issues Project (due 7/16 Onsite Meeting)

Project Description

For this project, pairs of students will select and research a topic related to a reference issue, prepare an annotated bibliography, and give a 10 minute presentation in class (At Onsite Meeting) summarizing their findings. You can start looking for partners at our first ONSITE MEETING and sign up for topics on the Discussion Board once GreenSheet is posted online. If you don’t have a partner in mind please so indicate on DB your choice of topic and ask for a volunteer to contact you.

Tasks

Step 1: With your partner, select a topic of interest. Some suggestions are provided below, or students may choose another topic. Talk with the instructor about other topics.

Step 2: Research the topic. Locate and use at least 5 different resources. The resources may be books, periodicals, websites, forums, an interview with a librarian, etc.

Step 3: Prepare and deliver a 10 minute presentation. Both students must participate in the presentation. Prepare and use some type of visual (overhead transparencies, PowerPoint slides, website creation, handouts, posters, flash memory card, etc.) to enhance the presentation. In the presentation you should:

• Describe the reference issue;
• Describe various approaches being taken in the profession regarding the issue; and give your personal analysis or impressions concerning the issue.

Step 4: Prepare and submit a complete bibliography of the resources used. Follow the APA style for citing. Write a brief descriptive annotation (1-2 sentences) to accompany each citation.

Possible Topic Ideas

Organizing Reference Services

• Staffing the reference desk–professionals vs. paraprofessionals, hours, etc.
• Reference etiquette–the look, feel, and attitude of reference department
• Reference interview–knowing patron, questioning strategies
• Evaluating reference services–collecting statistics, patron satisfaction surveys

Using Technologies to Provide Reference Services

• Web-based reference service
• Email-based reference service

Impact of Technologies on Traditional Reference Services

• Changing role of reference librarians
• Techno stress and librarians
• Print vs. electronic reference resources–costs, advantages
• Impact of the Internet on traditional reference publishing

Providing Reference Services to a Particular Patron Group

• Reference services for young adults (school and/or public libraries)
• Reference services for undergraduates
• Reference services for subject specialists–e.g. medicine, law, corporate.
• Homework Centers in public libraries
• Reference services for ESL or limited English-speaking populations
• Reference and information literacy (bibliographic instruction) for students
• Collaboration and collegiality–working with colleagues, teachers, professors, professionals in defining and providing reference services

E-Mail/WWW-Based Reference Service Evaluation (due 7/20)

 Project description

Each student will develop FOUR reference questions s/he believes are plausible for a Child (grade k-6)-question#1 ; for a young adult (grade 7-12)-question#2; for an undergraduate college student-question#3 and finally for a retired adult-question#4 -submit them to at least THREE different e-mail/WWW-based reference services: a library-sponsored service (e.g., Internet Public Library, Purdue University Ask Librarians Service; 24/7 Reference) a general Internet-only service (e.g., Ask Eric Educational Information Service, Library of Congress Ask a Librarian), and a specialized service (e.g., Ask the Mad Scientist;Pitsco Ask an Expert; Ask an Expert Sites). If you use another Email/Web Based Reference Service please provide complete bibliographic citation.

It is up to each student to decide how much information to provide to each service in terms of the imaginary student’s age, purpose for the question, and other potentially relevant information. Students should allot enough time to receive responses from each of the services. Each student should compare the services in terms of

• The format for submitting questions
• How detailed the responses are
• The qualifications of the persons composing the responses
• The time it takes to receive responses
• The sources recommended or cited in the responses
• The degree and type of instruction included in the responses

In addition, you should evaluate the usefulness of each of the services and suggest when it may be appropriate to recommend these services to the appropriate client group. The evaluation should be written in the form an organized, legible, and coherent paper of no more than EIGHT pages but not less than FOUR pages in APA format.

Pathfinder Project/Class Oral Presentation(due 7/30 ONSITE MEETING)

Project Description

For this project, students will select a topic, then research, plan, and develop a pathfinder targeted for a specific user group of a specific library.

A pathfinder is a bibliographic tool designed to guide information seekers through the preliminary stages of research by helping them systematically locate information on a given topic using various types of resources available in a given library.

Tasks

Step 1: Select a topic of interest. The topic may be general or narrow in scope. Some examples:

• Authors: Biography–Review–Literary Criticism
• Internet Searching Tips
• African art
• Hip-Hop music
• Film Criticism
• Getting started in stock market investing
• Gun Control
• Genealogical research
• Eating disorders

Step 2: Identify the targeted library and audience. Generally, the pathfinder will be specific to a particular library and to a specific type of patron. Some examples:

• Public Library adult patrons preparing for book groups; undergraduate or high school literature students
• Jr. High Library students researching topics related to an Anne Frank unit
• UCLA Art Library undergraduates researching Egyptian art
• UCI Library undergraduate biology students
• Public Library investment club members
• UCI Medical Center Patients Library patients or family members
• Los Angeles Historical Society patrons researching genealogy

 

Step 3: Identify resources in the specified library which would be useful, relevant, appropriate, and suitable for the target audience to use in researching the selected topic. Include as many different types of resources as possible. Consider including…

Reference Collection What print or electronic reference sources would be helpful? Include general and subject specific resources.

General Collection Are there a few key titles (books or non-print resources) to highlight? What Library of Congress or Dewey classification ranges would be useful to browse? What Library of Congress or Sears subject headings would be appropriate to use if searching a library catalog? How about keywords?

Periodicals Are there a few "landmark" articles which would jump-start a patron’s research? Are there specific magazines or journals devoted to the topic? What indexes or abstracts would cover these periodicals? What subject headings or descriptors or keywords would you recommend?

Websites Are there some specific websites particularly useful to the topic? Would a directory search work? Which directory? How about using an engine search? Which and what type of search tips would you recommend?

Other Does the library have a pamphlet/brochure file? How about listing local individuals, agencies or organizations to contact for further information?

Step 4: Create a clear, concise pathfinder document . Format the document so that the targeted patrons can easily follow it independently. Think concise. Think creative. Think easy-to-read and understand! Include the following components (not necessarily in this order!):

Library Identify the library for which the pathfinder was developed.

Topic Describe the purpose of the pathfinder and the scope of the topic addressed.

Resources List the relevant resources. Include call numbers as well as bibliographic information. You may briefly annotate the resources if this would be helpful.

Search Tips Suggest search strategies for the patron. (May be combined with the resources.)

Step 5: Write a description of the library for which the pathfinder was developed and the patrons for whom the pathfinder will be used. Write a narrative of the process you followed in developing the pathfinder. What did you do first? What resources or tools did you use? What were your frustrations?

Overview:

1.Description of the targeted library and patrons. Description of process used to develop pathfinder. (2-4 pages)

2. Pathfinder. Stand-alone document to be used independently by patrons. (1-2 pages)

 

Class Presentation (5 points/ July 30 ONSITE meeting)

Each individual student will present a 5 minute talk and distribute a concise information guide/pathfinder to your classmates at our last ONSITE MEETING. This short talk will cover information sources in a particular subject area or field of inquiry, or specific genres of publications. You may start to post your subject area or field at the BB Discussion Board site immediately. Each student will select a different subject so please indicate your topic, name and date posted.

You should answer at least the following questions:

• Where does the information on this subject come from? What sorts of people typically create it, and what institutions or organizations usually publish it? What do their goals appear to be?
• What are the most widely known secondary sources or basic textbooks, journals, bibliographic indexes, and Web sites on this subject?
• What, in your opinion, are the most useful printed reference tools that cover this subject. Consult the appropriate sections of the Bopp text
• What, in your opinion, are the most useful electronic reference tools that cover this subject? (You can find many of these on the Web site.)
• What people might commonly ask for information on this topic? What do their goals usually appear to be? What pitfalls and problems do they commonly encounter when seeking information of this type?

Besides consulting, prepare by reviewing the criteria for evaluating information sources. Also, try the following Keywords search in our various online databases (e.g., bibliography and “your topic”)

Locate and examine subject-specific reference tools.

After you’ve made some progress, talk to the Reference staff at a Library of your choosing for opinions and suggestions about which reference sources are most effective and about users’ needs.

Start early and budget enough time to conduct research and preparation time for this assignment.

**At the time of your verbal presentation, hand out to each of your classmates single page information guides that cite and briefly annotates the basic resources in your discipline.**Keep in mind that this presentation/guide should cover a very broad field of inquiry. For this assignment, you’ll be looking at the key research tools (resources) for the field you choose.

Note: When you’re in the audience for these presentations, remember that all of us are not equally comfortable speaking in public. The class participation portion of your grade includes the level of interest and energy you display during presentations by your peers.

Research Paper(due 8/3)

Project Description

You will write a paper on an issue related to reference services. This is an individual assignment. One of the most important objectives of this class is to provide practice writing a term paper. This course assignment requires a formal research paper in which you analyze a significant reference issue confronting the information professional today. Paper topics may be selected from the areas covered in class or you may choose an issue of more personal interest that is relevant to the goals and objectives of this course. Consider one of the topics from the list below. You will be graded on the extent of your research, your description and critical analysis of the topic, the evidence you provide in support of your argument, and the clarity and quality of your writing. The paper should be between 15 and 20 pages, double-spaced, 12-point type following the APA format.

The reference list should include at least 20 citations. A bibliography is not required, but you may include one if you’d like to list sources not cited but consulted for background information and context. Your references and formatting should adhere to the rules established in the APA Publication Manual.

Please check COURSE DOCUMENTS for further details and guidelines for the term paper.

Possible Topics

• Burnout of reference Librarians
• Gaining Cooperation or marketing of reference Services
• the increasing complexity of reference service
• Reference service: What does the future hold?
• The reference interview and reference transaction
• Synchronous vs. asynchronous modes of service delivery
• Interview strategies and behavior
• Effective referral of inquiries
• Short-term vs. long-term satisfaction of users
  Teaching within the context of the reference transaction
• Evaluation of information services
• Ethics and Reference Service
• User Information Needs
• Information seeking behavior
• Copyright and Reference Service
• Search and retrieval processes and procedures
• Reference service in Diverse Contexts
• Information Sources in All Formats
• Digital Information Services and Resources

Research Paper “Poster Session” (5 points/ ONSITE MEETING July 30)

The final class requirement will be to make a short oral presentation on your research paper findings. Instructions will be provided.

Grading and Due Dates:

Grades for late assignments will be reduced by 10 percent.

Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate students by San Jose State University .

If you need any special consideration due to a disability, you need to register with the SJSU Disability Resource Center and notify the instructor by the second week of classes.

Grading Policy/Papers:

Everyone begins class with a grade of "B", the standard grade for graduate level work. Students who satisfactorily complete assignments on time; attend classes; and actively participate in class exercises and discussions (in class and in Blackboard discussion forums) will receive the "B" provided the quality of written work meets the rigorous scholarly standard for the University.

In general, graduate work should exhibit clarity and be well written in a logical, coherent fashion. Above standard work is defined as clearly displaying one or more of the following criteria:

• Originality in the approach to the assignment
• Greater depth of analysis than the written assignment expects
• Critical evaluation of readings comparing authors, sources or different viewpoints
• Ability to organize information for oneself and others plus create tools for lifelong learning and knowledge retrieval

Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism:

Assignments must be the student's own work and sources must be properly cited. Academic dishonesty is a serious infraction. SJSU codes governing plagiarism can be found at the following sites:

University Policy F88-10: http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/f88-10.htm
S98-1 (amends F88-10): http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/s98-1.htm
S02-4 (amends S98-1): http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/S02-4.htm

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance at the three onsite sessions is mandatory. Participation in online group projects, in class and in Blackboard discussion forums is crucial to learning in the online environment. Reading/viewing/listening to required materials will enhance your ability to participate in these discussions. Check Blackboard regularly for detailed assignments and updates.

General Expectations for Students :

• Have the minimal home computing environment as described at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm
• Use a current virus protection program to scan all assignments before they are submitted electronically to Blackboard, other students and to your instructor
• Enroll in Blackboard to receive communications from your instructor (http://tigris.sjsu.edu/)
• Submit selected assignments electronically. Use the following scheme for submitting files: [Course Number]_[Student's Last Name]_Assignment] Example: LIBR200_Tash_Annotated_Webliography
• Submit assignments by midnight of the due date. An assignment submitted after the due date may be subjected to a grade penalty.
• Create assignments using Microsoft Word and double space in no more than a 12-point font
• Consistently follow the Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.) for formats, citations and references
• Avoid spelling, grammatical and syntactical errors

Also join the school’s electronic list, SLISADMIN, to get official or administrative messages from SLIS. Find directions at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/electroniclists.htm or choose Electronic Lists under the Computing pull-down menu on the SLIS Web site.

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