GREENSHEET
Textbooks | Course Requirements
The Greensheet is a preliminary syllabus which may be revised before the start of the semester.
Registration & Enrollment
This class is taught completely online using Blackboard. Students will need to self-enroll using the following URL: http://tigris.sjsu.edu between August 23 and 26. The self-enrollment process is in addition to the normal course registration; be sure you are registered for the class before you do the Blackboard self-enrollment. You will need to enter an access code; this will be sent to students via the MYSJSU messaging system before August 23.
Course Description
The course covers techniques of searching, understanding database structures, and online search experience. Emphasis is on the Dialog system, with coverage of search techniques on Lexis-Nexis, Factiva, and Web site search engines.
Prerequisite: LIBR 202
Topics include searching techniques and strategies, database structures and indexing, use and evaluation of database services, economic factors, applications, and accessing online search services. In addition, students gain familiarity with trends in the online information industry and management of online services through relevant professional literature.
Course Objectives
This course supports SLIS objectives, including the preparation of students “to function effectively in libraries, information centers, schools, and other relevant institutions” through instruction in techniques of online searching, database content and indexing, and cost-effective factors when selecting online resources.
The paramount objective is to complete the course with
- A general understanding of online databases and how to search them in a self-assured and effective manner.
- Confidence in the ability to achieve competence in searching any database or online system similar to those covered in the course.
Textbooks
Required Texts
The required textbooks for this course are:
- Dialog Lab Workbook (2002). Download: http://gep.dialog.com/instruction/workbook
Past students have found it helpful to print the Lab Workbook so that it can be marked up, highlighted, or turned into more comfortable bedtime reading.
- Hock, Randolph. (2004) The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook. Info Today. $24.95.
I've found two discounted prices for the Hock book. There might be other good prices out there--these are just the ones I've confirmed. No promotion of either supplier is intended or implied.
Additional Readings
Walker, Geraldene & Janes, Joseph. (1999) Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice. 2nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited. Selected sections from the book will be made available through Blackboard in e-book format. You do not need to purchase a copy.
Additional assigned readings will be made available on Blackboard. This will include articles from professional journals and online sources, as well as system documentation from commercial search service vendors. Links to vendor documentation used in the course will be provided under External Links.
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Course Requirements
Assignments
Students will post assignments to the Blackboard discussion board, the Blackboard Digital Dropbox, or submit them via email to the instructor. Directions are given under Assignments Overview. Refer to due dates on the course Calendar.
General Guidelines:
- Have the minimal home computing environment as described at http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/ecommunication/homecomputing.htm
- Software: Use an up-to-date virus protection program to scan assignments before they are submitted. You may use the browser of your choice, but Internet Explorer is required when doing Factiva searches.
- Label assignments clearly: include your full name, course number, instructor name, and assignment number. For the file name, use the assignment name and your last name, e.g., exercise1_smith.doc
- Label discussion board postings, too: use a meaningful subject line, please.
- Submit assignments by midnight of the due date. Late assignments will receive reduced credit.
- Use excellent grammar and spelling.
Online Exercises
The bulk of the course focuses on hands-on search exercises and assignments involving evaluating search strategies, database content and structure, and demonstrating an understanding of techniques for achieving cost-effective and on-target search results.
Quiz
There will be one or more short quizzes to nail down basic concepts early on in the course.
Discussion Board Participation
Participation in the discussion boards is part of the course grade. Students are expected at a minimum to post three substantive (not lengthy, but meaningful and constructive) messages each two-week period during the course. The instructor will begin discussion threads or students may initiate them.
Essay
A four- to six-page essay is due during the last week of the course. Each student will select his/her own topic and have it approved by the instructor no later than two weeks before the due date.
Refer to the format guidelines under Course Materials > Assignments Overview.
Grading
| Assignment |
Points |
| Online Exercises |
60 |
| Quizzes |
10 |
| Discussion Board Participation |
15 |
| Essay |
15 |
| TOTAL |
100 |
Reasonable Accommodation of Disabilities
Students who need accommodation due to a disability must register with SJSU's Disability Resource Center (DRC) during the first three weeks of the semester. The Center will work with the students to determine the disability, document it, and determine the services and accommodations necessary for student success. Then, the DRC will contact the faculty member to determine the types of consideration necessary.
Students attending the Fullerton campus should first contact the Disability Resource Center in San José since they are SJSU students. The DRC will then direct the students to supporting resources on the Fullerton campus.
The DRC Web site: http://www.drc.sjsu.edu/
Academic Integrity
Read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy
http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf
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