LIBR 204-13
Issues in Special Libraries
Spring 2004

Becky Barber
rbarber@slis.sjsu.edu
office hours by appointment

 

 

 

 

GREENSHEET


Course Description: This course will investigate current issues that impact the functioning of special libraries/information centers. Topics covered will include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the special library/information center sector.


Objectives of the Course:

1) To introduce the student to the concept of special libraries/information centers and the variety of environments in which they are situated

2) To introduce the student to the organizational/operational issues associated with special libraries/information centers and other related types of information services

3) To allow the student to meet local special librarians for networking and informational interviewing

4) To allow the student to design a special library/information center and provide experience in writing a proposal/presentation based on his/her research

This course supports the following objectives from the School's Teaching goal:

Upon completion of the program the student will know and be able to identify the major theories and important principles as well as to demonstrate current practice in:

Information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources

The principles and practices of management as specifically applied to information environments

The foundation of information services

This course supports the following objective from the School's Research goal:

Providing students the opportunity to evaluate and utilize relevant research studies from a variety of disciplines in their course work


Grading:

Each student starts the class with a grade of "B," the standard grade for graduate level work. If you do the assignments as outlined on the assignment sheet, you will maintain that "B." Sub-standard work will receive a sub-standard grade (B- or below). Above standard work will receive an above-standard grade (B+ or better); above-standard work is defined as work that clearly displays one or more of the following criteria:

a) originality in the approach to the assignment
b) greater depth of analysis than the written analysis requires
c) overall treatment above and beyond what the written assignment requires
d) superior organizational and/or written skills in the presentation of the material

Standard work includes:

These are the same standards that will be applied to you in your culminating experience and in the workplace, so please take this opportunity to practice your research, interpersonal. organizational and writing skills.

Finally, the active involvement of all students enrolled is vital to the success of the class. It is expected that all students will be at every class session for the entire duration of the class.


Assignments:

60% Log (maintained throughout the semester) containing:

a) virtual tour notes
b) article summaries
c) interview write-ups
d) meeting summaries
e) research notes for final project

30% Final research report/presentation
10% Attendance/participation (includes two SJSU sessions and two SLA sessions)

Top of Page