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GREENSHEET
This is a preliminary Greensheet that may be revised prior to or during the semester.
Course Description
This course provides students an opportunity to conduct real-world research projects. Students will use major commercial/professional database services, complex search strategies, and appropriate web-based sources, including the Invisible Web. The focus is on business, market, and competitive intelligence research, although students may fulfill assignments based on other interests. We will also examine contemporary issues in electronic information retrieval and delivery such as quality of information, formats, value-added deliverables, copyright, and cost. Students will complete assigned readings, participate in BlackBoard discussions, design and carry out research projects, and submit original papers examining contemporary online searching issues.
Prerequisites
- LIBR244 – Online Searching
- Knowledge of and skills in searching two of the Big Three (Dialog, Factiva, and LexisNexis) is required. Student passwords will be available. You may use King Library databases.
Course Objectives
Students will learn to:
- Evaluate the tradeoffs between free and fee-based online services
- Apply online resources in a strategic way to answer complex questions
- Understand and deal with some of the significant issues surrounding online information retrieval and use
This course meets SLIS teaching objective 2 and research objective 1.
Required Texts
- Introduction to Online Market and Industry Research , 1st Edition, 2004
Cynthia L. Shamel - available from Barnes and Noble Online http://www.barnesandnoble.com or http://e-catalog.thomsonlearning.com/155, Search on Shamel.
- Select one of the Super Searcher book series. A complete list of titles is available at http://www.infotoday.com/supersearchers
Recommended Readings (Depending on Interests.)
- Berinstein, Paula. Business Statistics on the Web, CyberAge Books, 2003
- CAP Ventures White Paper “Turning Online Information into Competitive Advantage” http://w.moreover.com/main_site/solutions/whitepaper_email_form.html
- Competitive Intelligence Workbook - with companion CD http://www.burkhardtresearch.com/publications.html
- Hock, Randolph. The Extreme Searcher's Internet Handbook, 2004, Information Today http://www.infotoday.com
- McGonagle, John and Carolyn M. Vella. The Manager’s Guide to Competitive Intelligence, Prager, 2003
- Sherman, Chris and Gary Price. The Invisible Web: Uncovering Information Sources Search Engines Can't See, Information Today, Inc. 2001
Course Requirements
- Read assigned books and articles, some of which may be included in lectures or course documents posted to BlackBoard.
- Submit a case study or research scenario that contains research using multiple online resources including web and commercial for-fee services. Examples are contained in the Shamel text. Projects will include the following components:
- Developing and outlining an effective overall search strategy
- Identifying and evaluating potential sources of information
- Conducting research using the appropriate system/site protocols and search engines
- Analyzing and summarizing the results
An alternative is to find a client (student, professor, family member, friend, etc.) who has an information need that can be searched online and conduct the following steps:
- Interview your client.
- Conduct the search in as many files as you think necessary.
- Supply your client with the search and request comments on the success of the search for his or her need.
A copy of the query, your search statement, database results, and the client’s comments must be submitted to the instructor.
Due Date for No. 2 above is no later than July 6 th. Submit your results in a Word file to me at amelia@marketingbase.com
- Submit an original paper on a significant issue in the online information environment. Topics can be gleaned from required reading and class discussion or students may explore other areas with the instructor's approval. The paper should be 10 to 15 pages long and include additional supporting examples, documentation, and references.
Due Date for No. 3 above is the final week of the course and not later than Saturday, August 14th, the official last day of class. Submit your results in a Word file to me at amelia@marketingbase.com
Blackboard
This class is completely online and conducted via BlackBoard. Students must regularly consult BlackBoard sections including:
- Announcements
- Course Information
- Course Documents
- Assignments
- Discussion Board
You must sign on to Blackboard by June 2, 2004 to participate in this course.
Successful course participants will:
- Post a brief bio and statement of purpose to the BlackBoard Discussion Board during the first week of class.
- Read required books cited above and other reading assignments as posted to BlackBoard.
- Initiate and contribute to discussion on BlackBoard weekly with substantive and thoughtful comments.
- Integrate this knowledge into written assignments.
- Conduct, document, and analyze a multi-faceted research scenario or case study.
- Research and write a 10 to 15-page paper on a topic to be determined.
- Integrate knowledge from required readings and class discussion into written assignments.
Grading
Weekly Class Discussion and Initiative |
20% |
Case Study or Research Scenario |
40% |
Final Paper |
40% |
Grading incorporates consideration of creativity, thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and originality.
Other Comments
Workload issues are each student’s responsibility. LIBR 245 is a full semester course compressed into an eleven week summer session. Incompletes are not an option – no exceptions.
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