LIBR 241-01 and 241-10
Automated Library Systems
Spring 2004

Dan Fuller
dfuller@slis.sjsu.edu
909-294-8264 (Mobile phone)
This is a virtual class. Office hours are conducted virtually on Tuesday 3PM to 4PM and Thursday 6:30 PM to 8:30PM. Schedule face to face meetings by appointment.

 

 

 

 

GREENSHEET

Course Description and objectives

The automation of library processes, including technical and public services as well as sharing resources with other institutions, is an integral part of library management. Library automation is mission critical to the success of libraries and information organizations and continues at a rapid pace. Librarians are responsible for the use and management of information technology developments, from telecommunications to storage devices.

Library automation is now part of a larger picture than simple circulation, cataloging and online public access catalog functions. Embedded in larger organizational information systems, which in turn are networked locally, regionally, and internationally, library and information professionals automate internal processes must think globally. The boundaries of library automation extend well beyond the library to incorporate access to resources distributed globally. The course addresses a wide variety of issues associated with Library Information Systems including the automation of internal processes, standards, telecommunications, usability, information literacy, cyber crime and security, and digital libraries.

This document is the same for both sections of the class. Both sections use the same Blackboard site. Both sections meet twice during the term. Attendance at these class meeting is required. Since both sections are using the same materials and doing the same assignments, flexibility regarding the site of the class is permissible, with the instructor’s approval.

The objectives of the course are:

  • To develop a basic knowledge of the management issues involved in automating library functions
  • To analyze the uses of information technology in library processing functions
  • To understand the complex computing and telecommunications infrastructure in which libraries exist
  • To develop a technical vocabulary for reading a substantial body of literature on topics related to information technology for libraries
  • To practice hands on research techniques applicable to library and information organizations

The course emphasizes the following SLIS objectives:

Developing a basic knowledge of the management issues involved in automating library functions
  • Gaining knowledge of the uses of information technology in library processing function
  • Understanding the complex computing and telecommunications infrastructure in which libraries exist
  • Developing a technical vocabulary for reading a substantial body of literature on topics related to information technology for libraries.

The SLIS Objectives are found at: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/slis/mission.htm

Grading Policy

Everyone begins the class with a grade of “B”, the standard grade for graduate level work. Students who complete the assignments, use Blackboard class site, attend both of the face to face class meetings and participate in the discussions will receive the B provided the quality of written work meets the standard of rigorous scholarly work for the University. Above standard work is defined as clearly displays one of more of the following criteria:

  • Originality in the approach to the assignment
  • Greater depth of analysis that the written assignment expects
  • Critical evaluation readings by comparing them to other authors or sources
  • Ability to organize information for themselves and others plus create tools for life long learning and knowledge retrieval

Expectations

  • All students must have the minimal home computing environment as described at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm
  • All students must enroll in the course in Blackboard to receive communications from the instructor by the first day of the term.
  • All students complete the online survey after enrolling in the class.
  • Submit all assignments electronically. The following scheme is required for the files: [Course Number]_[Student’s Last Name]_[Assignment Number]. Example: 241_Fuller_Essay1.doc Failure to utilize this format results in point deductions.
  • The student will use a current virus protection program to scan all assignments before they are submitted electronically to Blackboard and to the instructor.
  • Assignments will be submitted by the midnight of the due date. All assignments submitted after the due date may be subjected to a grade penalty.
  • All papers will use The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fifth edition, as the official style manual for formats, citations, and bibliography. Minimally, all assignments have a cover page, abstract, a body of text, and a reference list.
  • All work will be typed or keyed using Microsoft Word, double-spaced and in 12 point font.
  • All pages will be consecutively numbered with the student’s name and the name of the assignment in the footer of each page.
  • Errors in spelling, grammar and syntax will be subject to a grade penalty.
  • Evidence of plagiarism will result in a grade of F for the course.


Assignments

In the hybrid online and face to face class environment, the design of assignments gives the student as much opportunity as possible to pursue independent investigation and have hands on experience. The approach emphasizes group work in a virtual environment and practical experience in data collection and analysis related to technology planning.

  • These are the general assignments for the course. Please see course outline each week and the assignments tab on the Blackboard web page for specific assignment details, including due dates. Each assignment has a rubric and it is found on the Blackboard web page under the assignments tab. The total number of points for the class is 400.
  • Pretest: Complete the pretest for the course on Blackboard (5 Points)
  • Your introduction: Introduce yourself to the instructor and the class. It is to be posted online to the discussion board on Blackboard. The inclusion of your picture is optional. Everyone should check out your fellow students. (10 Points)
  • Two essays: completed as per the assignment schedule. The topic is assigned two weeks before the due date. Post the paper to the digital drop box on Blackboard or send via email to the instructor (40 Points for the first and 40 Points for the second for the third.)
  • Research study: a team project posted to Blackboard (80 Points)
  • Technology Plan: Post the technology plan on Blackboard (100 Points)
  • Research Paper: Post the paper to the digital drop box on Blackboard or send via email to the instructor (125 points)

Readings and Required text
Readings are assigned throughout the class. They are in either the required text or from online sources. The required text may be purchased online at Libraries Unlimited.

TEXTBOOK: Kochtanek, T. and Matthews, J. (2002) Library Information Systems: From Library Automation to Distributed Information Access Solutions. Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited.