LIBR 244
ONLINE SEARCHING
Spring 2004

ROBERT WAGERS
Email: rwagers@slis.sjsu.edu
Office: E122
Telephone: 408- 924-2502
Office Hours: Feb 2-3, 23-24, Mar 22-23, Apr 19-20, May 10-11, 1430 -1600
email and by appointment

GREENSHEET

DESCRIPTION :

Study of the use of machine-readable databases to satisfy information needs. Topics will include searching techniques, evaluation of services and databases, database structure, and introductions to search systems, including Internet-based information. Other topics may include economic issues and library and information center online services management. This is a survey course designed to introduce students to computer-based research in a wide variety of databases and search services. Systems involving online exercises include Dialog, Lexis-Nexis, WWW search engines, subscription-based databases, and other systems.

OBJECTIVES :

The student will:

-gain an experience necessary to perform basic online searches

-learn the features and files of a variety of systems

-develop criteria for evaluating online sources of information

-evaluate current developments in database retrieval.

SLIS Objective: 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;

COURSE PREREQUISITES :

1. LIBR 202, (LIBR 210 is recommended.)

TEXTBOOKS Walker, Geraldine. Online Retrieval. Littleton , CO : Libraries Unlimited, 2nd edition, 1999. Available from the publisher, Amazon, other vendors, and the Spartan Bookstore

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Students will satisfactorily complete:

-online exercises

-readings

-online discussions

-examinations

GRADING:

Online Exercises 50%

Readings/Discussion 30%

Exams 20%

GRADING POLICY:

Accurate coursework turned in on time will earn grades of B-A. Late coursework will not be excused except for illness or other emergencies. "I was too busy" is not an emergency! Unexcused late work will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor. The highest grade possible for unexcused late work is C.

12/2003

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