LIBR 231-01
Issues in Special Libraries and Information Centers
Spring 2005

Instructor: Becky Barber
E-mail
Office hours by appointment

GREENSHEET

| Grading | Assignments |

Course Description

This course will investigate the role of Special Libraries and the issues that impact the functioning of special libraries/information centers. Topics covered will include issues related to clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing and future trends in the special library/information center sector. In addition, students will research a company/organization of interest and design a library/information center to fit its needs.

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:

1. originality in the approach to the assignment
2. greater depth of analysis than the written analysis requires
3. overall treatment above and beyond what the written assignment requires
4. superior organizational and/or written skills in the presentation of the material

Standard work includes:

1. assignments submitted on time
2. all work is word processed and double-spaced
3. all work is professionally written (spelling & grammar count)
4. all work cited is referenced in full citation format (APA or MLA)

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. In addition, participation in at least two professional events is required and virtual participation in the virtual class on Blackboard.

Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
Students who need accommodation due to a disability must register with SJSU's Disability Resource Center (DRC) during the first three weeks of the semester. The Center will work with the students to determine the disability, document it, and determine the services and accommodations necessary for student success. Then, the DRC will contact the faculty member to determine the types of consideration necessary.

Students attending the Fullerton campus should first contact the Disability Resource Center in San Jose since they are SJSU students. The DRC will then direct the students to supporting resources on the Fullerton campus.

The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/

Top of Page

Assignments

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

Top of Page