LIBR 244-12 |
Instructor: Jill Werts |
GREENSHEETThis greensheet may be revised throughout the semester. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Techniques of searching and managing online search services. Includes searching strategies, evaluation of database structures, implementation and management of search services and online experience. Topics include: searching techniques, evaluating online search services, search strategies, analysis of database structures, use and evaluation of database search services, and online searching experience. COURSE OBJECTIVES: To support the mission of the School in teaching students the major theories, important principles, and current practice in: information transfer and information management, including the selection, organization, storage, retrieval, dissemination and utilization of information resources.
This course supports the second teaching goal of the School of Library and Information Science by teaching students the major theories, important principles, and current practice in the following areas:
TEXTS / READINGS: Introduction to Dialog Featuring DialogClassic Dialog Pocket Guide (HTML or PDF) Successful Searching on Dialog (also available in HTML version) Dialog Database Catalog 2004 Dialog Database Catalog Supplement Dialog Lab Workbook Hock, Randolph. (2004) The Extreme Searcher’s Internet Handbook. Cyberage Books (available through Amazon.com, among other bookstores…). Other readings will be assigned (including many from the professional literature or from vendor documentation). The Online Retrieval book used in some other sections (Walker, G. & Janes, J. (1999) Online Retrieval: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice. 2 nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited) is not required, but may be a useful backup reference source (and it may be the source of some optional readings) – it is available online through the King Library, so students are not asked to purchase it. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: Online searching exercises -- 55 % Exercises A series of exercises will be posted on Blackboard, requiring the use of online databases for searches. Instructions will be provided for the assignments and grading will be based on the student’s search strategies, thought processes and results of the searches. More important than finding the “right” answer is the description and analysis of the process – why terms or databases were chosen (or not chosen), what the thought process was, how the search strategy was constructed, what mistakes were made, and suggested changes to the strategy if the search were to be re-run (although it is not necessary to actually re-run it). Search statements, as well as the analysis of the exercise, must be turned in for grading. It is not necessary for all results to be included, but some results are necessary for the proper evaluation of the exercise. Analysis should be brief (one or two paragraphs). Quizzes There will be two quizzes, with specifics posted on Blackboard. Online Discussion Since this course is conducted entirely online, participation in online discussions via Blackboard is essential. Discussion topics will be provided and students may also propose topics for discussion or begin new discussion threads. Discussion topics will be provided at the beginning of the week (Tuesday at the latest). Students should post (at least) two comments on each discussion topic, one an original contribution and the other a response to another student’s post. Please check in on the discussions occasionally throughout the week. Essay A formal essay, 5-10 pages in length, will be due the final week of class. This essay should follow APA style (and, of course, the usual rules of good grammar and syntax). Use a minimum of 5 sources for your essay (articles, book chapters, website materials, etc.) Two options for the essay are available:
For more info on APA style, check out this page: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/resources/apa.htm. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Please be aware that all work submitted under your name must be your own work; sources for papers should be properly cited. San Jose State University regulations governing plagiarism will be enforced (the appropriate regulations may be found at: http://info.sjsu.edu, by searching on Academic Dishonesty). Please read the SJSU Academic Integrity Policy at: http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf |