GREENSHEET
DESCRIPTION:
Study of the use of machine-readable databases to satisfy information
needs. Topics include data base selection, searching techniques and strategies,
database structures, use and evaluation of database services, economic
factors, applications, and management of online search services. Instruction
in several search systems is an integral part of the course.
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 to diverse populations.
Goal A: Students will develop critical thinking and analysis skills needed
by the librarian to help patrons with data base searches.
Goal B: The student becomes familiar with aspects of the online industry
and its role in making information available to society in multiple formats.
Goal C: The student gains experience with one system and is able to transfer
this knowledge to other systems.
Goal D: The student gains familiarity with basic commands, and moves
for an understanding of the relationship between database structure and
search techniques, evaluation of databases and systems.
Goal E: The student considers issues in the implementation and management
of online services.
TEXT:
Walker, G. & Janes, J. (1999) Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of
Theory and Practice. 2nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited (Please order this
text via Amazon.com or similar online
bookstore as soon as you decide to take the course)
BLACKBOARD:
This class is conducted mainly on line. You must sign on to Blackboard
before January 20. There are assignments that must be completed before
the class meets on January 26. Go to http://tigris.sjsu.edu
to login. For Blackboard help and tutorials, go to http://witloof.sjsu.edu/blackboard/
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Exercises: 60 points
Quizzes: 10 points
Essay: 20 points
Participation in online discussion: 10 points
COMPUTING REQUIREMENTS:
Please note that Real Player will be required to view the class
lectures and presentations. You can download this application by selecting
the following link:
RealOne Player Download --
To find the correct link, look in the upper right portion of the page
and locate the small link labeled "Free RealOne Player."
You must also be able to save web pages and files and have basic communication
and word processing software.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Online exercises will be posted. You will do the searches as instructed
in each exercise. Be sure to save your searches to disk. After you are
finished with your search, bring it into your word processing program
and critique it. Your grade will primarily be based on your critique.
You need to comment on what you think you did well and what mistakes you
think you made (there is no penalty for making mistakes but there may
be for not recognizing your mistakes) and suggest any improvements you
would make in your search if you could do it over-there is no need to
do it again. Each exercise consists of more than one problem. Complete
all questions in the exercise.
Each Exercise is worth 10 points.
Exercise 1: In class exercises due Jan 26 and 27
Exercise 2: Due February 12
Exercise 3: Due February 26
Exercise 4: Due March 12
Exercise 5: Due April 2
Exercise 6: Due April 16
In class exercises will be group projects.
Essay
Prepare a formal essay following APA style and all the rules of good
spelling, grammar, and syntax. Pick one theme, issue, author, or technique
and read at least 5 items. Items may be articles, books, non-print items,
or on-line materials. You may compare different authors views on a
topic, contrast two schools of thought, trace a single author over a number
of years, trace the development of a topic over time, simply discuss
a topic or any number of other possibilities. Topics should be related
to your area of librarianship interest. Link in your own ideas, critique,
and analysis of what you read.
Your theme should relate to one of the goals of the course stated above.
Worth 20 points
Due: May 12
Class Discussion Board
I expect you to be a participant on the class Discussion Board
on Blackboard. I will post new discussion topics every two weeks and you
must post a reply within the two week period for each topic. You may also
begin new discussion threads whenever you like and suggest topics for
discussion here. During the initial meeting we will set a time schedule
for the on-line discussion. The goal is to have between 7 and 14 members
on-line at a time.
Group Email
Please use the Blackboard email function to ask questions or make comments
that you think might benefit the whole group. I will answer general questions so
that everyone can share in the information.
Use my personal email address, stuhlman@wahoo.sjsu.edu,
for sending assignments and any topic that you want to discuss only with me.
Points to remember:
I live in Chicago, which is two hours later than Pacific Time. Any times
posted will be for Pacific Time. I will try to respond to e-mail on a
timely basis, but sometimes it may take a day or two.
Daniel Stuhlman
Chicago, IL 60645
stuhlman@wahoo.sjsu.edu
http://home.earthlink.net/~ddstuhlman/liblob.htm
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