LIBR 256 |
Instructors: Lori Lindberg and Debra Hansen |
GREENSHEETCourse Description This course is designed as an introduction to the basic theories, methodologies, significant challenges, and opportunities relating to the management of records, particularly archival records, the practical administration of archives, and the institutions, programs, and associations that support this work. This course will provide a basic understanding of archives and archival work which will enable students to better understand the role of archives in the world of information management and enable them to perceive differences and similarities between archivists, manuscript curators, rare book librarians, public historians, librarians, and other information professionals. A short practicum at the end of the course will introduce students to some of the tools and materials used by archivists in processing archival collections. The course will address the following key questions:
Course Objectives This course will:
This course satisfies the following objectives of the San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science:
Required ReadingsA selection of articles, book chapters, and websites will be assigned for each class session. These readings provide an introduction to the major theorists and important literature in the field of archival studies. They will be available as.pdf files under “Course Documents” on the LIBR 256 Blackboard site. Please note: As you look through this list you may notice that many readings over the course of the term are selections from anthologies or books. You are encouraged to purchase these books as they are standard and/or classic texts in the field. Every archivist should have a personal professional library to support his or her own research and work. Ever dream of having your writing in American Archivist or Archivaria? Here’s the start! Course Requirements Issues Papers. Students will be required to write two short papers (6-7 pages) on topics provided by the instructors. APA format is required. Each paper is worth 20 points. Midterm Exam. Students will be given a midterm exam that covers the history, theory, methodologies, and terminology presented in the course lectures and readings. The exam is worth 30 points. Processing Practicum. Students will spend the final weekend working with a modest record collection. The purpose of this practicum is to give students experience applying archival theory and method to the processing of a real collection of documents. At the conclusion of the practicum, students will be expected to submit a completed finding aid describing the materials in their appointed boxes. Detailed instructions for this assignment will be provided. The processing practicum is worth 30 points. Class Participation. Because this course is an intensive and each class session covers essential information about the archival field, it is imperative that students attend every class session in its entirety. Five points will be deducted from a student’s final point total for each missed class. Late Assignments. Papers will be submitted at the start of the class session at which they are due. Late papers will have their scores reduced by 10 percent of the points possible for that assignment. In keeping with SLIS policy, incompletes will be issued only for exceptional and compelling circumstances. Grading & Due Dates
Final grades will be based on the following grading scale established for graduate students by San José State University. Grades below C will not be credited toward your MLIS degree. 100 – 97 = A Academic Honesty San Jose Staté University policies on academic dishonesty will be enforced strictly. Students who engage in plagiarism, cheating, or other types of dishonesty will receive an F for the course. For more information on SJSU policies, see http://www2.sjsu.edu/senate/S04-12.pdf. Office Hours Debbie Hansen: Wednesdays, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm or by appointment Contact Information Lori Lindberg Debbie Hansen
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