LIBR 228
ADVANCED INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Spring 2004

Jo Bell Whitlatch
jobell@sjsu.edu
Voice: 408-808-2005
Class meetings: 10 a.m. - 4 p. m.
Saturdays: 2/14; 3/20; 4/17; 5/8
Module D402
Office Hours: By Appointment
King Library(KL)
4th Floor Administrative Offices

GREENSHEET

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

Survey of information sources, information transfer processes, and research patterns in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, including use characteristics, interpersonal communication, and query analysis. Topics covered will include library instruction, library guides, virtual reference systems, management, and evaluation of reference services. In addition, the course will emphasize specific skills judged essential for effective reference practice: oral and written communication, working effectively with other people, analysis, creative problem solving, and assessment.

Designed for students who wish to work in larger public or academic libraries.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202 and 210.

II. OBJECTIVES

1. To understand the process of information seeking in the sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
2. To demonstrate the ability to produce a library guide in both printed and electronic format in consultation with a faculty member.
3. To present, as a team member, an effective interactive teaching and learning session on a specific electronic source.
4. To develop an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of virtual reference systems.
5. To analyze the effectiveness of electronic answering sources for statistical queries.
6. To develop skills in evaluating reference service effectiveness.

This course relates to the following SLIS Objectives:

Teaching students the major theories, important principles, and current practice in:

• The foundations of information services;
• Information transfer;
• Information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources;

III. COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Successfully completing assignments related to objectives (Section II, A-F). Participation during class sessions and on the class reflector. Use of basic HTML for student presentation pages.

Reading assignments must be completed in advance of class session. Readings are provided through links in the course Calendar page and through readings on Reserve, first floor King Library.

All papers must be typed, double spaced, with a font size of at least 12 points. Attending the four Saturday class sessions is essential. Late assignments will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please advise me as soon as possible.

IV. GRADING

• Annotated article and essay on information seeking
  (Feb 7) 10 percent
• Evaluation of reference services
  (April 17) 20 percent
• Statistical Sources on Assigned Questions
  (April 24) 10 percent
• Library instruction presentation
  (varies March 20, April 17, May 8) 20 percent
• Analysis of Email Reference
  (May 1) 10 percent
• Library guide and process paper
  (May 8) 25 percent
• Participation in class and on WebCT
  (Feb 14 - May 8) 5 percent
  

All disputes over grades must be presented to the instructor in writing.

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Jo Bell Whitlatch 2004-01-18