S501/30613 Information Sources and Services

Fall 2008

Tuesdays 5:45-8:30 p.m.

Instructor:

Emily Okada
E-mail: okada@indiana.edu
Phone: 855-8386

Office: Information Commons
Wells Library W121
Ask at IC Reference Desk
Hours by Appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION "This course introduces students to the basic information sources and services among different types of libraries and information centers, including academic, public, special, and school media." (SLIS Web Site, accessed 17 June 2007)

COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of L524 students should have

An understanding of the various roles of information professionals in different environments.
An appreciation of the interpersonal and communication skills needed to carry out effective reference transactions and work.
The ability to proficiently analyze reference inquiries in order to assess clients' information needs.
An understanding of the nature, characteristics, and functions of major types of reference sources.
Experience with the most important and widely used reference materials as well as the ability to use them in specific reference inquiries.
The ability to formulate search strategies that will effectively and efficiently identify and locate relevant information.
The ability to evaluate and select reference sources that best fit the needs of clients.
An understanding of the basic principles and practices involved in bibliographic instruction.
The ability to compile high quality research guides.
An awareness of past, current, and emerging trends in reference sources and services

If you have any special needs due to disability of any kind, please meet with the instructor before the second class session to discuss accommodations.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Changes and adjustments may be made! Readings will be added!

Changes & additions will be announced in class, via e-mail and on the S501 OnCourse site

1.	Sept 2	Introduction - Orientation - Organization Information Literacy Classification Systems, Call numbers, Subject Headings
2.	Sept 9	Terminology (Jargon) & Technique What is a periodical? What is a serial? Web Search Engines, Databases (Database basics) Bibliographic Information Sources
3.	Sept 16	"Information" - Communication Libraries & Information - Librarians & Communication Reference Services, Reference Standards & Ethics Biographical & Geographical Information Sources
4.	Sept 23	Communication -- Reference Strategies Question Negotiation / The Reference Interview Social Sciences Information Sources
5.	Sept 30	Evaluating Information & Information Sources Medical Information Sources Business Information Sources
6.	Oct 7	Government Information Sources Guest Lecturer: Lou Malcomb, Head of Government Information, Microform and Statistical Services Dept. and the Geology Library
7.	Oct 14	Information Technology Web 2.0 - Library 2.0 - Digital Reference Guest Lecturer: Jennifer Laherty, Reference & Digital Services Librarian
8.	Oct 21	Humanities Information Sources
9.	Oct 28	Statistical Information Sources Guest Lecturer: Lou Malcomb, Head of Government Information, Microform and Statistical Services Dept. and the Geology Library
10.	Nov 4	Arts & Music Information Sources
11.	Nov 11	Science Information Sources
12.	Nov 18	Information Ethics: Censorship, Filtering, Copyright Freedom of Information issues Legal Information Sources
13.	Nov 25	Patrons, Clients, Customers and Librarians Video: Controlling the Confrontation
14.	Dec 2	Information Literacy Instruction Guest Lecturer: Carrie Donovan, Instructional Services Librarian, Information Commons Undergraduate Library Services Dept.
15.	Dec 9	The Future ...of "reference," of information Wrap-Up (What's your plan?)

Overview of Assignments and Grading

Details and deadlines are provided in separate documents.

20%	DO: exercises & worksheets Work Sheets individual Out of Class Exercises mix In-Class Exercises mix
20%	READ & PONDER: required & self-selected readings & written reflections Written reflection on readings( 5) individual
20%	EXAMINE & EVALUATE: Resource Reviews(2) mix
20%	GUIDES Mini Pathfinder mix Research Consultation Project Individual
20%	PARTICIPATION

How points are determined an example:

In the Do: exercises & worksheet category (worth 20% of course grade)

1 worksheet worth 200 points + 2 exercises worth 10 points each = 220 points possible for this category

Student earns 190 points on worksheet, 9 for 1^st exercise and 7 for 2^nd exercise = 206 points earned

206/220=.94

.94 x 20 = 18.7 points (out of 20) toward course grade

GRADING

Grades will be assigned on an A, B, C basis. The following definitions of letter grades have been defined by student and faculty members of the Committee on Improvement of Instruction and have been approved by the faculty (November 11, 1996) as an aid in evaluation of academic performance and to assist students by giving them an understanding of the grading standards at SLIS. Note that the percentage distribution (left column)was determined by this course instructor.

Points	Grade	Description
96-100%	A	Outstanding achievement. Student Performance demonstrates full command of the course materials and evinces a high level of originality and/or creativity that far surpasses course expectations
90-95%	A-	Excellent achievement. Student performance demonstrates thorough knowledge of the course materials and exceeds course expectations by completing all requirements in a superior manner.
87-89	B+	Very good work. Student performance demonstrates above-average comprehension of the course materials and exceeds course expectations on all tasks as defined in the course syllabus.
84-86	B	Good work. Student performance meets designated course expectations, demonstrates understanding of the course materials and performs at an acceptable level.
80-83	B-	Marginal work. Student performance demonstrates incomplete understanding of course materials.
78-79	C+	Unsatisfactory work
74-77	C	Unsatisfactory work Student performance demonstrates incomplete and inadequate understanding of course materials.
70-73	C-	Unacceptable work
68-69	D+	Unacceptable work
64-67	D	Unacceptable work
60-67	D-	Unacceptable work Coursework performed at this level will not count toward the MLS or MIS degree. For the course to count toward the degree the student must repeat the course with a passing grade.

59 & below	F	Failing Student may continue in program only with permission of the Dean