LIBR 244-13 |
Dr. Kathryn Sullivan |
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GREENSHEETCourse Description Techniques of searching and managing online search services (both commercial databases and Internet search engines). Includes searching strategies, evaluation of database structures, use and evaluation of database services, and online experience. Course Objectives This course supports the following SLIS objectives: To support the mission of the School in teaching students the major theories, important principles and current practice in: Information transfer, information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources. Goal A: The student will develop critical thinking and analysis skills needed by the librarian to help patrons with database searches in a variety of settings and formats. Goal B: The student gains experience with the commercial and web databases 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, and the evaluation of databases and systems. Goal D.: The student considers issues in the implementation and management of online services in a variety of settings and formats to diverse populations. . Required 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) Additional readings will either be provided in Blackboard or online by database vendors.
Course Requirements Blackboard This class is conducted mainly on line. Please enroll in the Blackboard site for this class by June 1st. Go to http://tigris.sjsu.edu to login. For Blackboard help and tutorials, go to http://witloof.sjsu.edu/blackboard/ Exercises: 60 points
ASSIGNMENTS Online Discussion Students are required to participate in online discussions via Blackboard. A class schedule with discussion topics will be provided. Students may also begin new discussion threads whenever wished and suggest topics for discussion as well. Exercises A series of questions in which you perform online searches will be posted on Blackboard with specific instructions about each assignment. Grading is based on a brief report in which you summarize your thought process, search strategies, key terms, names of databases, and findings. Emphasis is on your description and analysis of steps taken, rather than on getting the right answer. Timeline for Exercises will be posted later on Blackboard. Essay Prepare a formal essay five to eight pages in length following APA style and all the rules of good grammar and syntax. You can opt to work on a research project using online databases in which you describe and analyze your steps and results, or select an issue or trend to discuss. Due the final week of the course.
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