LIBR 244
Online Searching
Summer 2003 (5/27-8/10)

John Owen
callimachus@mindspring.com
Becky Barber
rbarber@wahoo.sjsu.edu

GREENSHEET

DESCRIPTION:
Techniques of searching and managing on-line search services. Includes searching strategies, evaluation of database structures, implementation and management of search services and on-line experience.

Prerequisite: LIBR 202

Topics include searching techniques and strategies, database structures, use and evaluation of database services, economic factors, applications, and management of online search services. A detailed introduction to the Dialog search service will be provided.

GOALS:
To support the mission of the School in fostering a broad understanding of the theories, issues, technologies, and values required to provide information services in a variety of settings and formats.

Goal A: The student becomes familiar with aspects of the online industry and its role in making information available to society in various formats.
Goal B: The student gains experience with the commercial and web databanks and is able to transfer this knowledge to other systems.
Goal C: The student gains familiarity with basic commands, and moves beyond that to an understanding of the relationship between database structure and search techniques, evaluation of databases and systems.
Goal D: The student considers issues in the implementation and management of online services.

TEXTS:

Dialog Database Catalog 2003

Dialog Pocket Guide

Walker, G. & Janes, J. (1999) Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice. 2nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited

Additional Readings as Assigned

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

COMPUTING REQUIREMENTS:
You must have Internet access and word processing software.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Assignments for this class will consist of five exercises, three quizzes, one essay, various readings, and regular postings to the discussion board. Specific details on each assignment will be posted to Blackboard.

In the exercises, you will be asked to perform a series of searches. For each search, record your search strategy, including keywords and databases or search engines used. Summarize the search results and comment, in one paragraph, on your method, including what, if anything, you would do differently.

Quizzes will consist of 10 questions drawn from your reading material.

The essay, conforming to APA guidelines and common rules of grammar and spelling, will be from five to ten pages long on a topic of your choice related to online searching. Use at least five sources (articles, book chapters, website material) to document your essay.

Since this course is conducted entirely online, use of the discussion board is essential. Each week, we will post a topic. You should post at least one comment to each weekly discussion. For a perfect class participation grade, make sure that at least one of these comments is in response to another class member’s topic posting.

LATE ASSIGNMENTS

Assignments turned in late will result in a reduced grade. Due to the nature of online coursework, it is very important that you stay on top of your assignments. It is easy to slip into the habit of regulating your work in a class according to its weekly meetings. Since our class does not meet physically, you will have to be careful about your time and access Blackboard frequently.