LIBR 244
Online Searching
Summer 2003

LeAnn Garrett, MLIS, Ph.D
Email: lgarrett@mtsac.edu
Phone: (909) 594-5611 X4122

GREENSHEET

I. Course Description

This class is based on developing analogical reasoning skills needed for effective and efficient online searching. The class is broad in scope and is applicable to a wide variety of online database services. Instruction prepares the librarian for successful on-demand searching by developing high-level searching skills. Topics include pre-search planning, database selection, searching strategies, search syntax development, retrieval set evaluation, document delivery, and pricing and search costs. Instruction is based on active learning theory and is devoted to gaining online searching experience.

II. School Goals and Objectives

Teaching Goal:

The School promotes teaching by

2. Teaching students the major theories, important principles, and current practice in the following areas:

• The foundations of information services;

• Information transfer;

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

• One or more specialized aspects of information management.

III. Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Analyze and translate end-user search problems into successful search queries
2. Select appropriate databases for a variety of search problems
3. Apply appropriate search techniques and construct syntactically correct search queries using analogical transfer
4. Evaluate relevancy of a retrieval set to the search problem.
5. Analyze search results and identify and apply methods for improving precision
6. Apply knowledge of search techniques to multiple search systems and databases
7. Perform on-demand searching
8. Identify document formatting and delivery options
9. Be aware of current pricing and related search costs for a variety of online systems
10. Plan, search, and present the solution of a complex search problem in the form of an annotated bibliography

IV. Meeting Times

Day: Wednesdays (July 9, July 16, July 30, and August 6)
Time: 4:00 to 9:45. This includes two (2) ten to fifteen (10-15) minute breaks and one (1) thirty (30) minute meal break.

Class/Web Structure:

There are twenty (20) hours of in-class time.

There are twenty-five (25) hours of structured search activities divided into ten (10) one (1) hour comparison searches, three (3) four (4) hour analytical searches, and one (1) three (3) hour online interactive reference question. This time is devoted to online searching and working with the systems. Plan additional homework/study time for completing the analytical aspect of each assignment. Spend no more than the allocated hours searching online for any of these search activities. If you have not found the perfect answer after the designated time, stop searching and complete the analysis.

V. Texts

There are no required texts. Print and online documentation provided by the vendors will be used as resources.

VI. Assignments

Searching Assignments

Approximately twenty-five (25) hours of required structured instructional time is divided into thirteen (13) online searches and one on-demand search simulation.

There are two types of searches. The first is a syntax comparison search and the second, an analytical search.

Syntax Comparisons

Rationale: Understanding how search syntax affects the retrieval set is a basic search skill. The objective of this assignment is to illustrate the impact of the search syntax on the retrieval set.

Analytical Search Problems

Rationale: High-level analytical skills are necessary for effective and efficient searching. To accomplish this goal, the student must be able to analyze search problems, select appropriate systems and databases, effectively use search syntax, evaluate the retrieval set for relevancy, and as necessary, refine the search. This assignment challenges the student to not only perform searches, but also engage in problem solving and analysis. It is the core of the class.

On-Demand Searching Simulation

Rationale: Searching is primarily done at reference, information desks, and increasingly online in a virtual environment. Regardless of the environment, online searching is spontaneous with limited or no preparation time. An in-class and online simulated on-demand reference question will be given to each student to experience on-demand searching.

Annotated Bibliography

Rationale: The ability to plan, research, compile, and format a relevant bibliography using online databases is a basic skill for librarians. This assignment is designed to give the student an opportunity to apply searching and analytical skills learned in class, use a variety of online systems and databases, and judge relevancy while developing an annotated bibliography on a topic of personal interest.

VII. Grading and Due Dates

Late Assignments are reduced by the following points:

Syntax searches by point two (.2) points.
Analytical searches by point five (.5) points.
Simulated searching by point two (.2) points.
Annotated Bibliography by one (1) point.

Final grades will be based on the following San José State University grading scale established for graduate students:

100 – 97 = A
96 – 94 = A-
93 – 91 = B+
90 – 88 = B
87 – 85 = B-

VIII. Office Hours