LIBR 244-04
Online Searching
Spring 2005

Instructor: Virginia Tucker
E-mail
Telephone: 360-961-3964 (voicemail)
E-mail is best / Telephone appointments available

GREENSHEET

| Textbooks & Readings | Assignments & Grading | General Information |

The Greensheet is a preliminary syllabus. A final Course Syllabus will be available by the start of the semester under Course Materials.

Registration & Enrollment

This class is taught completely online using Blackboard. Students will need to self-enroll between January 25-31 using the following URL: http://tigris.sjsu.edu.

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.

Prerequisite: LIBR 202.

Course Description

The course covers techniques of searching, understanding database structures, and online search experience.

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-depth instruction in one search system is provided. 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 other databases and search systems.

Textbooks

Required Texts
Dialog Lab Workbook (2002) Download: http://gep.dialog.com/instruction/workbook

Hock, Randolph. (2004) The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook . Information Today.

Recommended Texts
Walker, Geraldene & Janes, Joseph. (1999) Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice. 2nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited. [available as an e-Book from the King Library]

Tomaiuolo, Nicholas. (2004) The Web Library. Information Today.

Additional Readings
Additional assigned readings will be made available on Blackboard.

System documentation about online search services covered in the course is available from the commercial vendors. Links to vendor documentation used in the course are included under External Links.

Top of Page

Assignments

Students will post assignments to the Blackboard discussion board, the Blackboard Digital Dropbox, or submit them via e-mail to the instructor. Directions will be given with each assignment. 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
• Use an up-to-date virus protection program to scan assignments before they are submitted.
• Label assignments clearly: include your full name, course number, instructor name, and assignment number.
• Label discussion board postings, too: use a meaningful subject line and include your full name, course number, and (if relevant) the assignment number or name.
• 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 quiz 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. Guidelines for the topic will be posted under Assignments. Each student will select his/her own topic and have it approved by the instructor no later than one week before the due date.

Grading

Top of Page

General Information

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 Jose 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 Honesty
All assignments submitted must be your own work. Sources must be properly cited. The San Jose State University regulations governing plagiarism will be enforced. Those regulations may be found at:

• General Information: http://info.sjsu.edu/ [search: Academic Dishonesty]
• SJSU Academic Integrity Policy: http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf

Top of Page