LIBR 232-01
Issues in Public Libraries
Fall 2007 Greensheet
Dave Genesy
E-mail
Office: (650)780-7060
Cell: (650)722-1782
Fax: (650)780-7069
Office Hours: By appointment
| Greensheet Links Textbook and Readings Course Requirements |
Resources Blackboard Blackboard Tutorials |
Students who have enrolled will be given access to the Blackboard site by the instructor by the first day of class - August 23, 2007.
Course Description
This course will investigate current issues that impact the functioning of the public library. Topics covered will include issues related to social and political environments, clientele, services, collections, physical settings, financing and staffing, and future trends in the public library sector.
Prerequisites: LIBR 200, 202, 204
Course Objectives
Student Learning Objectives
On completion of this class students should be able to:
- Have an understanding of current issues affecting public libraries
- Have an in depth understanding of one issue
- Have knowledge on library responses to current issues
- Communicate effectively about these issues in both written and oral forms
LIBR 232 supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- articulate the ethics, values and foundational principles of library and information professionals and their role in the promotion of intellectual freedom;
- recognize the social, cultural and economic dimensions of information use;
- use service concepts, principles and techniques that facilitate information access, relevance, and accuracy for individuals or groups of users.
In addition, this section supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- compare the environments and organizational settings in which library and information professionals practice;
- apply the fundamental principles of planning, management and marketing/advocacy;
- understand the nature of research, research methods and research findings; retrieve, evaluate and synthesize scholarly and professional literature for informed decision-making by specific client groups;
- demonstrate oral and written communication skills necessary for group work, collaborations and professional level presentations;
- evaluate programs and services on specified criteria;
- contribute to the cultural, economic, educational and social well-being of our communities.
Textbooks and Readings
Required Text
There is no textbook. The instructor will post weekly readings on Blackboard and there will be research by the student.
Course Requirements
Course Format and Blackboard
LIBR 232 is partially an online course. Students who have enrolled will be given access to the Blackboard site by the instructor by first day of class.
Assignments
The assignments for this course are:
- Papers
6 papers on the topics listed in the Course Calendar, 2-3 pages. (30 points). This is an informal paper that responds to the key issues presented in class. Instructions will be provided. Each paper is due the following week the topic is presented in class. - Interviews
3 interviews of library professionals and 3 visits to libraries on topics listed in the Course Calendar. (30 points). This will be an informal submission and discussion; participation is mandatory. Instructions will be provided. Due on the date the topic is presented in class. - Research Paper
Write a formal research paper in which you analyze a significant issue confronting public libraries 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. The text of your paper should be 15 pages in length; the reference list should include at least 20 citations. You will be graded on 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. Your references and formatting should adhere to the rules established in the APA Publication Manual. (25 points). - Attendance and Participations
Students are expected to attend all regular class meetings, not only because they are responsible for the material covered, but also because active participation contributes to the learning of the entire class. If you miss a class session, your total score will be reduced by 5 points. (15 points).
Course Calendar
We will meet on campus on these dates from 6:00-10:00:
| 8/29 | Intro, expectations, overview of issues |
| 9/12 | Community-Centered Libraries |
| 9/26 | The Death of Reference and Rise of Youth Services |
| 10/10 | Literacy and Education: ProjectREAD Director Kathy Endaya |
| 10/24 | The Changing Roles of Library Staff: Panel Discussion |
| 11/14 | Funding and Politics: California State Librarian Susan Hildreth |
| 11/28 | Partnerships: San Jose Public Library Director Jane Light |
| 12/5 | Recap, lessons learned, paper due |
All other weeks will be online with an assigned topic.
Grading Scale
The standard SJSU SLIS Grading Scale is utilized for all SLIS courses:
| 97-100 | A |
| 94-96 | A- |
| 91-93 | B+ |
| 88-90 | B |
| 85-87 | B- |
| 82-84 | C+ |
| 79-81 | C |
| 76-78 | C- |
| 73-75 | D+ |
| 70-72 | D |
| 67-69 | D- |
| Below 67 | F |
In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:
- C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
- B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work;
- A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.
Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0.
Late Work
Late work will reduced by 25%.
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability,
please e-mail me as soon as possible. Presidential Directive 97-03 requires
that students with disabilities register with the Disability Resource Center
(DRC) to establish record of their disability.
No matter where students reside, they should contact the SJSU DRC to register. The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
Academic Integrity
Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at San José State University, and the University's Academic Integrity Policy requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The policy on academic integrity can be found at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/S07-2.htm.
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