S501--Reference
School of Library and Information Science, Indiana
Universityâ Bloomington
Spring, 2009. Tuesdays, 9:30-12:15
(This syllabus is subject to changes with appropriate notice)
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Ron Day |
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E-mail: |
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Office Hours: |
Tuesdays, 12:15-1:15 or by appointment |
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Tel: |
email me |
This course focuses on understanding the context and resources for reference
services. The course introduces the philosophy, principles, and practice of
reference services (broadly defined) and provides practical experience in
evaluating and using a variety of information sources. The course also provides
practical experience in assessing, designing, and developing a reference
document (i.e, the final pathfinder assignment). Students who wish to become
reference librarians in research libraries are highly encouraged to take L570
(Online Information Retrieval) afterwards.
By the end of the course, students should have:
An understanding of the various roles of reference 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 most widely used reference materials
and the ability to use them to 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 and other information sources
and tools that best fit the needs of clients.
An understanding of the basic principles and practices involved in
bibliographic instruction.
The ability to prepare research guides.
An awareness of current and emerging trends in reference sources and
services.
The objectives of the course will be achieved through lectures, readings,
in-class discussions and activities, examination and use of key reference tools
and sources, take-home assignments involving electronic database searching, and
a term project (electronic pathfinder due on last day of the class).
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
Written assignments will be made throughout the semester to familiarize you
with sources, search methodologies, and the theory and philosophy of reference
services. All assignments will be graded and discussed before and after they
are completed. LATE assignments will lose one letter grade from the grade they
would have gotten had they been turned in on time. In case an absence is
inevitable on a day an assignment is due, please e-mail it to the instructor to
avoid the penalty. An "Incomplete" will be given to students who fail
to submit their final projects before the end of the semester. Unless otherwise
stated below and on individual assignment sheets, all students are to work
individually and follow IU's honor code. The assignments for the course
include:
1. Eight take-home print/electronic reference sources exercises (5%
each)
You should go over the relevant class handouts and readings
before tackling these exercises.
2. Two reference observation/interview assignments (10%)
As part of this assignment, you will visit a library of your choice
(academic, public, special, or school) to observe the reference librarian(s)
there and ask for materials about your pathfinder topic (see below). After your
observation of, and interaction with, the librarian(s) is over, you will answer
a set of questions in an essay form and come to class ready to talk about your
experience. Further instructions are provided on the assignment sheet.
3. One virtual reference assignment (10%).
You will attempt to find materials for a research project by means of a chat
session with the IU librarians or librarians at another institution. You will
write a two-page paper on your experiences and discuss them in the next class.
4. One term project: pathfinder (25%)
A pathfinder is a bibliographic guide that introduces clients to the
literature of a specific subject area or topic. Its arrangement and content
reflect the most common questions in a literature search and the beginning
stages of a research project. A pathfinder is not an exhaustive annotated
bibliography. Instead, it provides a carefully selected list of various types
of important resources, both reference and non-reference. Pathfinders are
typically short in length, depending on the intended audience and the resources
available. The pathfinder you prepare for this course should not exceed eight
pages in length and must be mounted on the web. Your pathfinder should only
include resources available in one library or library system. Further
instructions are provided on the assignment sheet.
Readings, class participation, attendance, availability of lecture
materials, laptops.
Reading assignments are due on the dates listed in the schedule below. You
may wish, as well, to read chapters corresponding to the topics in Richard Bopp
and Linda C. Smith, Reference and Information Services: An Introduction
(in the bookstore as an optional purchase for the class). Much of the Bopp and
Smith chapters will be covered in lecture in the class, though, and are
available through the Powerpoints.
I will post the Powerpoint lecture slides online at: http://ella.slis.indiana.edu/~roday/524.html
These will be in downloadable format. (Since I modify the order of the classes
each semester, if you consult this URL please match the title of the powerpoint
class with the class, not the order of the powerpoints with the order of the
classes.) I modify content during the semester so some of the content on the
slides may not be completely identical to what is presented in class. Some
classes may not have lecture slides associated with them (in that case their
links will be null). Powerpoints of class sessions will be posted as available.
All required readings are on electronic reserve or are available through the
Internet.
Attendance will not be taken. When you are in class, you are expected to
participate.
No laptop computers are required in this class and they are not
allowed unless there are disability issues that require them.
Grades will be assigned on an A, B, C scale. 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 of the School
of Library and Information Science:
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Please note that all assignments and readings can be accessed online. Also
note that this reference course demands a HEAVY commitment of your time. It is
expected that you will spend an average of eight hours each week on readings
and assignments. Much of this time will be spent in campus libraries. Please do
not ask reference librarians to do your work for you. While such assistance may
shorten assignment time, it will not help you increase your learning of sources
nor of the search process as more diligent effort will. If, however, you cannot
find something on the shelf where it is supposed to be, do not hesitate to ask
someone where it is.
Academic Dishonesty
There is extensive documentation and discussion of the issue of academic
dishonesty in the Indiana University " Code of Student Rights,
Responsibilities and Conduct." Of particular relevance is the section on
plagiarism:
A student must not submit work that reproduces ideas, words, or statements
of another person without appropriate acknowledgment. A student must give
credit to the originality of others and acknowledge indebtedness whenever he or
she does any of the following:
1.Quotes another person's actual words, either oral or written;
2.Paraphrases another person's words, either oral or written;
3.Uses another person's idea, opinion, or theory; or
4.Borrows facts, statistics, or other illustrative material, unless the
information is common knowledge.
Indiana University and SLIS policies on academic dishonesty will be
followed. Students found to be engaged in plagiarism, cheating, and other types
of dishonesty will be reported to the Dean's Office for appropriate action. As
a rule of thumb, when in doubt, cite the source!
Schedule
Week 1- Jan. 13: INTRODUCTION
Course overview and introductions
Assignment: Readings; start thinking about your pathfinder
topic.
Week 2 Jan 20: REFERENCE & INFORMATION ACCESS PROFESSIONALS
Discussion Points/Questions:
--What kinds of services reference professionals or departments offer?
--Definition of a "reference" source
--Types of information sources: direct and indirect, formal and informal
--Which five journals one needs to regularly browse/read to stay up-to-date
with developments in reference services?
--Which five databases are particularly useful for retrieving LIS
literature?
--What do employers like to see in every library school graduate?
--What is expected from a reference librarian to know, do, or be able to do?
--Do reference librarians need another Master's degree to provide quality
service? What are the advantages, disadvantages, and obstacles of acquiring a
second Master's degree?
Readings:
--Bajjali, S.T. (2004). "Contemporary Recruitment in Traditional Libraries."
Journal of Education for Library and Information Science Education,
46(1), 53-58.
--Hill, K.C. (2001). "Acquiring Subject Knowledge to Provide Quality
Reference Service." ReferenceLibrarian,(72), 219-228.
-- RUSA (Reference and User Services Association). (2003).
"Professional Competencies for Reference and User Services
Librarians." Reference & User Services Quarterly
42(4), 290-295.
-- Singleton, B. (2003). "Entering Academic Librarianship: Tips for
Library School Students." Colleg e& Research Libraries News,
64(2), 84-86.
-- Whisler, Laurel A. (2004). "Resumes, Curricula Vitae, and Cover
Letters for Music Librarians: Suggestions for Librarians in Job Searches or
Compiling Annual Review Documents." Music Reference Services
Quarterly, 8(4), 1-46.
Assignment: Readings
Week 3 Jan. 27: ACCESS SERVICES; CURRENT ISSUES
& TRENDS IN REFERENCE; USER BEHAVIOR
Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What are some of the new trends in reference services?
-- What is information access and why is it very important? What are some of
the problems associated with information access and how do institutions deal
with these problems?
-- Who should staff the reference desk and why?
-- Would you allow onsite access to unaffiliated users? If so, under what
circumstances and conditions? What are the implications (on public relations
with the outside community, on other local libraries, etc.) of denying or
allowing unaffiliated members to use or have access to your libraries?
-- Why do college students use public libraries? What characterizes these
students?
-- Reference librarians continue to buy expensive print sources, yet, they
rarely recommend them for use by patrons. Why is that?
-- Which library concepts students are most familiar with and which ones
they are not familiar with? How to alleviate problems resulting from use of
library jargon in information literacy courses and programs?
-- What are some kinds of problems that certain patrons pose in academic and
public libraries? If you encountered or witnessed any situation that involved a
problem patron, please share the experience in class.
Readings:
-- Antell, K. (2004). "Why Do College Students Use Public
Libraries?" Reference & User Services Quarterly 43(3),
227-236.
-- Blessinger, K.D. (2002). "Problem Patrons: All Shapes and
Sizes." Reference Librarian,(75/76), 3-10.
-- Courtney, N. (2003). "Unaffiliated Users' Access to Academic
Libraries: A Survey." Journal of Academic Librarianship
29(1), 3-7.
-- Dilevko, J; & Gottlieb, L. (2002). "Print Sources in an
Electronic Age: A Vital Part of the Research Process for Undergraduate
Students." Journal of Academic Librarianship, 28(6),
381-392.
-- Hutcherson, N.B. (2004). "Library Jargon: Student Recognition of
Terms and Concepts Commonly Used by Librarians in the Classroom." Colleg
e& Research Libraries 65(4), 349-354.
-- Reeb, B.; & Gibbons, S. "Students, Librarians, and Subject
Guides: Improving a Poor Rate of Return." Portal: Libraries and
theAcademy4, no. 1 (2004): 123-130.
-- Tyckoson, D. (2004). "Facts Go Online: Are Print Reference
Collections Still Relevant?" Against the Grain 16(4), 34,
36, 38.
Due: Pathfinder Topic
Assignment: Readings; Pathfinder report
Week 4 Feb. 3: BIBLIOGRAPHIC CONTROL, ORGANIZATION OF INFORMATION,
AND SEARCH STRATEGIES
Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What is bibliographic control process and what are its basic principles?
-- Why are authority control and controlled vocabulary critical in
information organization and access?
-- What are catalogs, MARC records, indexes, and metadata?
-- How many bibliographic organization schemes are available for libraries
to adopt?
-- What is meant by collocation and depth and comprehensiveness of indexing?
-- The library catalog, periodical databases, and metadata are three types
of tools that help in storing, organizing, and retrieving information. Describe
them and how they work.
-- Boolean logic, truncation, browsing the index and thesaurus, searching by
field, term weighting, relevance ranking, citation pearl growing, and precision
and recall are all features/strategies that can be used in database searching.
Explain each in detail.
-- What is meant by relevance feedback and how does it work?
-- Which search strategy: specific-to-general or general-to-specific?
Provide examples and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each OR the
factors that influence which method to use first.
-- Where to start a search? Provide some contexts and examples.
-- What makes an excellent searcher? How can you improve your searching
skills?
Readings:
-- Wilson, Patrick. "Searching: Strategies and Evaluation." For
Information Specialists: Interpretations of Reference and Bibliographic Work.
--Buckland, Michael. Naming in the Library: Marks, Meaning, and Machines. http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~buckland/naminglib.pdf
-- Dalrymple, O.W. (2001). "Bibliographic Control, Organization of
Information, and Search Strategies." In R.E. Bopp & L.C. Smith. Reference
and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Westport, CT:
Libraries Unlimited. pp. 69-96.
-- Dublin Core Metadata Initiative. DCMI Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ).
-- Furrie, Betty, in conjunction with the Data Base Development Department
of The Follett Software Company. What is
a MARC Record and Why is it Important? Seventh edition reviewed and edited
by the Network Development and MARC Standards Office, Library of Congress.
2003.
-- Mann, T. (2003). "Why LC Subject Headings Are More Important Than
Ever." American Libraries34 (9), 52-54.
ClassTopic: Online Catalog
Due: Pathfinder Report
Assignment: Readings; online catalog assignment
Week 5 Feb. 10 : QUESTION ANALYSIS &
NEGOTIATION (REFERENCE INTERVIEW)
Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What is a reference interview and what are the different types of
reference interviews?
-- Why do most librarians seldom do reference interviews? When should a
reference interview be conducted?
-- Why are good reference interviews frequently difficult to accomplish?
-- Why are clients reluctant to talk with librarians?
-- Why don't library clients ask very good questions?
-- What skills librarians need to be good interviewers?
-- What is meant by "negative closure"?
-- Name and discuss some factors that may influence the reference interview
(e.g., gender, age, prior negative experience, time of the day service was
requested, day of the week service was requested, social/personal issues, etc.)
-- How did the Internet change reference interviewing?
-- How can reference interviews best be evaluated?
-- How accurate the reference staff answer questions posed by their clients?
-- The search process: in-class exercise
Readings:
--Taylor, Robert S. "Question-Negotiation and
Information Seeking in Libraries." College and Research Libraries, May
1968, 178-194. (RD: Old, but still one of the best on
the topic).
-- Wilson, Patrick (1986). "The Face Value Rule in Reference
Work."
-- Bopp, R.E. (2001). "The Reference Interview." In R.E. Bopp
& L.C. Smith. Reference
and Information Services: An Introduction. Westport, CT: Libraries
Unlimited. pp.47-68.
-- Dewdney, P.; & Michell, G.B. (1996). "Oranges and Peaches:
Understanding Communication Accidents in the Reference Interview." RQ
35(4), 520-536.
--RUSA (Reference and User Services Association). (2004b). "Guidelines
for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service
Providers." Reference & User Services Quarterly 44(1),
14-17.
Class topic: Reference Interview
Due: Online Catalog Assignment
ASSIGNMENT: Readings; Reference Interview Assignment
Week 6 Feb. 17: SELECTION AND EVALUATION OF
REFERENCE SOURCES
Discussion Points/Questions:
-- How would you know that a reference book is of a good quality?
-- Why evaluating electronic sources is more challenging than evaluating
print sources?
-- What are the primary reviewing tools and selection aids for reference
materials?
-- What are some of the problems associated with review sources?
-- How and why selection tools such as American Reference Book Annual,
Choice, and Library Journal, are helpful/useful for librarians?
-- How does the information professional become competent to review
reference sources? What sources, skills, attitudes, and values are needed or
necessary for becoming a good reviewer?
-- In selecting reference sources, how should controversial subjects be
handled?
-- Is a reference collection development policy necessary and why? What type
of information does a reference collection development policy include?
-- Why in some libraries certain types of materials (e.g., Indexes,
government documents, ready reference materials, and atlases) are shelved
separately?
--Why would you weed a title from a collection? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of doing so?
-- What is virtual collection development?
-- What are the primary evaluation points for web
sites? One of the most important elements of today's topic is the criteria used
for evaluating and selecting reference sources. These criteria are helpful both
in choosing new titles to purchase for a library and in familiarizing yourself
with new material in general. Use the following points as a checklist to be
sure you have not overlooked some important features of a reference item:
Readings:
-- Altschiller, D.; & Wenzel, S.G. (2003). "Finding Book Reviews in
Print and Online." Reference & User Services Quarterly
42(3), 193-205.
-- H-Net: Humanities and Social Sciences Online
-- Natowitz, A.; & Carlo, P.W. (1997). "Evaluating Review Content
for Book Selection: An Analysis of American History Reviews in Choice,
American Historical Review, and Journal of American History."
College& Research Libraries 58(4), 323-336.
-- Peter's Digital Reference Shelf
-- Reference Sources handout (see ERes).
-- Rettig, J.; & LaGuardia, C. (1999). "Beyond "Beyond
Cool": Reviewing Web Resources." Online 23(4), 51-55.
-- Smith, L.C. (2001). "Selection and Evaluation of Reference
Sources." In R.E. Bopp & L.C. Smith. Reference and Information
Services: AnIntroduction.3rd ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
pp. 309-330.
Class Topic: Book reviews and Web resources.
Due: Reference Interview
Assignment: Readings; Book Reviews, Books in Print, &
Web Resources exercise
Week 7 Feb 24: BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOURCES
Discussion Points/Questions:
--What are a national bibliography, a trade bibliography, a library catalog,
a bibliographic utility, and a union catalog? Provide a couple of examples of
each.
-- What is the National Union Catalog and what happened to it?
-- Is the Library of Congress a national library?
-- Can you name a few distinguished national libraries?
-- What makes a national library national?
-- What are the differences between RLIN and WorldCat? Why reference
librarians use them?
-- The number of libraries that purchase or use Books in Print is dwindling.
Why is that?
-- Today, there are hundreds of online booksellers, bookstores, and
meta-search engines that provide comparisons of prices. There are also online
bookstores that specialize in particular areas, such as out of print books,
rare books, and used books. Which dealers, bookstores, and meta-search engines
are the best and most reliable?
Readings:
-- RUSA (Reference and User Services Association). (2001). "Guidelines
for the Preparation of a Bibliography." Reference & User
Services Quarterly41(2), 115-117.
Class Topic: WorldCat, Ulrich's, and Dissertation Abstracts
Due: Book Reviews, Books in Print, & Web Resources
exercise
Assignment: Readings; WorldCat, Ulrich's, and Dissertation
Abstracts exercise
Week 8 March 3: INDEXES AND ABSTRACTS (DATABASES)
Terms and concepts frequently used in relation to databases:
-- Abstract: A type of index that gives the location of an article in
periodical or a book and a brief summary of that article.
-- Controlled-vocabulary: An indexing system in which the indexer, in
assigning descriptors to works, is limited to a specified list of terms called
the index vocabulary.
-- Descriptor: A term or a string of symbols used to designate the subject
of a work.
-- Index: Consists of a series of bibliographic identifiers (author, title,
subject, etc.) or surrogates, each of which characterizes a document or other
pieces of information.
-- Indexing Vocabulary: The set of descriptors to be used in indexing the
contents of documents in an information storage and retrieval system.
-- Information Retrieval System: Any system (typically electronic) that provides
information to users in response to their requests (e.g., online catalog).
-- Keyword: A substantive word in a document that can be used to provide
access to that document when used as a search term.
-- Natural-Language: An indexing system in which no index vocabulary
controls are imposed. Any significant term (keyword) in the text of the item
being indexed may represent the subject content of that item and thus provide
access to it.
-- Online searching: Is the use of computer terminals or workstations to
search databases (from almost anywhere in the world), retrieve results, and
either print the results, save, or forward them to users electronically.
-- Subject Authority List: An official list of subject headings used in a
given catalog or bibliographic service (e.g. Library of Congress List of
Subject Headings, Sears List of Subject Headings).
-- Subject Heading: An indication of the subject of a bibliographic item
using entries from a standardized vocabulary such as Library of Congress
Subject Headings.
-- Thesaurus: A structured collection of terms that is used to index
documents. A thesaurus provides control of synonyms and indicates how a
particular index term is related hierarchically to others in the index
vocabulary.
Discussion Points/Questions:
-- How does an abstract differ from an index as far as access and retrieval
performance are concerned?
-- What makes for a good abstracting and indexing service (i.e., a
database)?
-- How do you decide which database is the best for your needs?
-- What is "natural language" or keyword indexing? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of this type of indexing? Provide examples.
-- What is "controlled vocabulary" or subject indexing? What are
the advantages and disadvantages of this type of indexing? Provide examples.
-- What are the major characteristics and uses of a thesaurus and a subject
heading authority file for information retrieval? List advantages and
disadvantages.
-- What is the purpose of a citation index? In what ways is a citation index
valuable in reference work?
-- Explain the differences between popular and scholarly literature.
-- What is Open URL and how does it work?
-- What is Google Print and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
-- What is Google Scholar and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
-- Online searching is a process that involves several strategies, stages,
or tasks. What are they?
Readings:
-- Guide to Library Research. Duke University Libraries.
-- Quint, B. (1991a). "Inside a Searcher's Mind: The Seven Stages of an
Online Search (Part 1)." Online 15(3), 13-18.
-- Quint, B. (1991b). "Inside a Searcher's Mind: The Seven Stages of an
Online Search (Part 2)." Online 15(4), 28-35.
-- Reference Sources handout (see ERes).
Class Topic: Indexes and Abstracts
Due: WorldCat, Ulrich's, and Dissertation Abstracts
exercise
Assignment: Readings; General databases assignment
Week 9 March 10: READY REFERENCE AND DICTIONARIES; BUSINESS AND
HEALTH SOURCES
Definitions of Types of Ready Reference Sources:
--Almanac. An annual compilation of miscellaneous statistics and facts, both
current and retrospective. May be broad in geographical and subject coverage,
or limited to a particular country/state or to a special subject. Much of the
information is presented in tabular format.
-- Compendium. A concise summary, either of a larger work or of a field of
knowledge, sometimes written in outline form.
--Directory. A list of persons, organizations, or institutions,
systematically arranged, usually in alphabetic or classed order, giving such
information as addresses, affiliations, officers, functions, telephone and fax
numbers, publications, etc.
-- Handbook. A concise reference book, capable of being easily carried,
usually covering a particular subject or field of knowledge. Tends to be a book
of instruction or guidance, arranged for the quick location of facts, whereas a
compendium usually deals with the broad substance of a topic.
-- Manual. A small book, especially one giving information or instructions.
Often used synonymously with handbook.
-- Statistical Sources. A collection of statistics gathered from various sources
or generated by a source, arranged for ease of location and retrieval.
-- Yearbook. An annual report or summary of facts and statistics of the
preceding year, frequently limited to a special subject. Unlike an almanac, a
yearbook is sometimes an update of a larger work such as an encyclopedia, is
not retrospective in coverage, and tends to be mainly in textual rather than
tabular form.
Ready Reference Sources Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What are the most important features of a directory?
-- Why are directories frequently expensive?
-- Why a part of the ready reference collection is kept behind the reference
desk?
-- How or when can the Internet be used as a ready reference tool?
-- How can Directories in Print and International Directories in Print be
used to select new directories for purchase?
-- The basic source for current statistics for the U.S. is the Statistical
Abstract. What type of statistics does it contain and where do these statistics
come from?
-- Many librarians claim that Encyclopedia of Associations is their most
valuable reference book. Why do you think they rely so heavily on this title?
Note on Dictionaries: The purpose of a dictionary is to
explain words. Most typically, these words are listed in an alphabetical order
and a description of their meaning is given. Dictionaries may include added
features such as syllabication, pronunciation, etymology, usage, synonyms,
grammar, illustrations, maps, spellings and usage. There are different kinds of
dictionaries: those that address national languages (e.g., English, French,
Spanish, German, and so on) and those that address languages of specific
scientific disciplines (e.g., chemistry, medicine, political science,
sociology, and so on).
-- Dictionaries Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What are the key factors upon which to evaluate a dictionary?
-- Describe differences between prescriptive and descriptive philosophies in
dictionary construction.
-- In what ways could you use the Oxford English Dictionary in reference
work? What advantages does the electronic version have over the print version?
-- Describe some strategies you might use to locate a quotation if it does
not appear in standard sources.
-- Describe a good mix of dictionaries for a small public library (including
children's services), a liberal arts college, and a large law firm.
-- Does every library need a foreign language dictionary? How do you decide
which foreign language dictionary to buy?
Readings:
Review Reference Sources handout (see electronic reserve files).
Class Topic: Ready Reference, health and business resources
Due: General Databases assignment.
Assignment: Readings; Ready reference, business, and health
resources assignment.
**Week 10, March 17: Spring Break**
Week 11 March 24: ENCYCLOPEDIAS; BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES; WEB SOURCES
Encyclopedias Outline of Significant Points:
-- Selection of writers, editor(s), publishers (authority)
-- Selection of topics (scope)
-- Arrangement of topics (alphabetical, chronological)
-- Access (table of contents, levels of indexing, cross-references)
-- Format (print, CD-ROM, or online)
-- Intellectual level (quality of articles, length of articles, audience)
-- Special features (illustrations, bibliographies, sound, video, etc.)
-- Physical format (size, paper quality, binding quality, illustration
quality, print quality)
-- Biases (Political, Economic, Racial, Historical, National, Sexual)
-- Cost (affordable, good value)
-- Currency and Updates (Periodic revision, Continuous revision, Yearbooks)
-- Accuracy (correct facts, recent facts, objective)
Encyclopedias Discussion Points/Questions:
-- Why are encyclopedias useful in reference work?
-- Are encyclopedias gathering dust? Are they still being used (think
Google)?
-- What type(s) of information do people seek in encyclopedias?
-- What are the functions of the encyclopedia yearbook?
-- Why does an alphabetically arranged print encyclopedia need an index?
-- Do you think that students depend too heavily on encyclopedias for their
papers and reports?
-- Note that there are specialized subject encyclopedias in every
discipline. Select a special subject encyclopedia that interests you and be
ready to comment on it in class.
-- What are the advantages of electronic encyclopedias over printed ones?
Disadvantages?
-- Should librarians describe the biased nature of encyclopedias to clients?
Note on Biographical Sources: Bopp and Smith point out that
"interest in the lives of others is a universal phenomenon" and that
"one of the most consistent features of reference work over the years has
been the high demand for information about people." Biographical sources
of information fall into several categories:
- Living persons vs. deceased
- Individuals of a particular country vs. international coverage
- Lengthy, evaluative entries vs. brief, factual information
- Sources that provide pictures of people vs. those that do not
- Indirect sources vs. direct sources
-Popular vs. scholarly titles
Biographical Sources Discussion Points/Questions:
- Describe the different types of biographical sources (directories,
dictionaries, current & retrospective, national & international,
direct& indirect, and obituaries).
- If you were going to design an electronic source for biographical
information, what features would you want to include? How would you limit its
contents?
- What are the most important factors on which to evaluate a biographical
source?
Web Information Sources Discussion Points/Questions:
- What are web portals and how are they useful? Name and describe a few popular
web portals.
- What is the invisible web and how one can access its information?
Readings:
-- Devine, J.; & Egger-Cider, F. (2004). "Beyond Google: The
Invisible Web in the Academic Library." Journal of Academic
Librarianship30(4), 265-269.
-- Franco, A. (2003). "Gateways to the Internet: Finding Quality
Information on the Internet." Library Trends 52(2),
228-246.
-- Reference Sources handout (see ERes).
Class Topic: Encyclopedia, biographical, and web resources.
Due: Ready reference, business, and health resources
assignment
Assignment: Readings; Encyclopedias and Biography resources
CLASS 12 March 31: GEOGRAPHICAL, GOVERNMENT, AND STATISTICAL SOURCES
Note on Geographical Sources: Geographical sources are
invaluable in reference. Information needs ranging from the simple "Where
is [a river, town, mountain range . . .]?" to the complex
"environmental analyses, historical studies of past explorations, wars,
plagues; lunar surface features; geological structure of a mountain range"
can be met through the use of maps. Atlases (a collection of maps with a
detailed index) are found in most libraries, as are gazetteers, which are
geographical dictionaries of place names. Map librarians are very enthusiastic
about their profession; are interested in such issues as access to maps,
Geographic Information Systems, and map preservation; and they produce many
useful guides, union lists, carto-bibliographies, indexes, and directories.
When evaluating a geographical source, one has to examine: authority, currency,
changing names, revision policies, encyclopedia information, nationalism,
topical approaches, balance/content, quality of maps, scale and projection,
topographical representation, format, place name control, vernacular vs.
language of the country of publication (roma vs. rome), transliteration of
names, location of small towns, statistical data, subject access approaches,
among others.
Notable Publishers in Cartography:
-- Hammond
-- National Geographic Society
-- Oxford
-- Rand McNally
-- Times
-- U.S. Government
Definitions:
-- Atlas. A volume containing collections of maps. (Named for the god
"Atlas" who held the world on his shoulders.)
-- Cartography. The art of map-making. A cartographer is someone who makes
maps.
-- Gazetteer. A geographical dictionary or finding list of cities, mountains
,rivers, population, and other features of atlases. Often indexes to atlases
serve as gazetteers.
-- Index map. A map that shows the total geographic coverage, encompassed by
a setor series of maps, or by a segmented single map.
-- Map. A graphic representation on a flat surface of certain boundaries of
the earth, as well as the moon, the planets, and the solar system.
-- Physical (physiographic) map. A map which shows the features and nature
of the earth's surface, atmosphere and climate, distribution of plant and
animal life, etc.
-- Political map. A map that is normally limited to showing political
boundaries (e.g., towns, cities, counties, and states), but may also include
topographic features.
-- Thematic map. A map that serves a special purpose or theme, such as the
relative concentration of indigenous groups in Mexico.
-- Topographic map. A map that represents the exact physical configuration
of an area including natural and man-made features such as mountains, streams,
roads, towns, windmills, and radio towers. Elevation is usually represented by
contour lines.
-- Travel guide. A guidebook intended to aid the traveler by pointing out
the sights to see, where to dine, and the best way to get there.
-- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Geographical Sources Discussion Points/Questions:
-- List and discuss briefly five evaluative criteria to be considered when
purchasing an atlas.
-- What factors should you consider when buying an atlas?
-- What is a gazetteer and how can you judge the quality of one?
-- What are the pros and cons of web-based atlases and maps?
-- What types of information are important in travel guides?
Government Sources Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What are FDLP, FirstGov, GPO, GPO Access, and THOMAS? Where else can one
find U.S. government information (name five different sources/tools)?
-- Where one can find government information about foreign countries (name a
few sources)?
Readings:
Class topic: Geographical, government, and statistical resources
Due: Encyclopedia and Biographical resources assignment
Assignment: Readings; Geographical, government, and
statistical resources assignment.
Week 13 April 7: VIRTUAL REFERENCE SERVICES AND EVALUATION
Virtual Reference Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What is virtual reference service? Provide some examples.
-- Why are some virtual reference services better than others?
-- What are the strengths and weaknesses of virtual reference services?
-- Do academic libraries offer virtual reference services to unaffiliated
users?
-- What guidelines are set by RUSA for implementing and maintaining virtual
reference services?
-- Who are the main players in virtual reference research and services?
-- Virtual Reference Services Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What is VRD, Question Point and 24/7 Reference?
-- What is the Collaborative Digital Reference Service (CDRS) and how does
it work?
-- Why is CDRS better than Ask.com, Webhelp.com, and other similar
Internet-based reference services?
-- Digital Reference listservs: most well-known is DIG_REF.
Instant Messaging (or Chat) Reference Discussion Points/Questions:
-- What is it, how does it work, and what are its advantages and disadvantages?
-- How many people use it and for what types of questions?
-- How is it different from the traditional face-to-face, telephone, or
e-mail reference service in terms of the initial question asked, the location
of the patrons, and expectations or assumptions of the technical skills and
general knowledge of the patrons?
-- In traditional reference services, body-language, librarians' attitude,
patron hesitation to interrupt busy librarians, good/bad experience, and so on
determine a patron's willingness to return." What are the IM
characteristics that might affect patron's willingness to return?
Readings:
-- http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Online_Reference
--Coffman, S.; & Arret, L. (2004a). "To Chat Or Not to Chat -
Taking Another Look at Virtual Reference, Part I." The Searcher:
The Magazine for Database Professionals 12(7), 38-46.
-- Coffman, S.; & Arret, L. (2004b). "To Chat Not to Chat: Taking
Yet Another Look at Virtual Reference." The Searcher: The Magazine
for Database Professionals 12(8), 49-56.
-- Desai, C.M. (2003). "Instant Messaging Reference: How Does It
Compare?" The Electronic Library, 21(1), 21-30.
-- Duff, W.M.; & Johnson, C.A. (2001). "A Virtual Expression of
Need: An Analysis of E-mail Reference Questions." The American
Archivist, 64(1), 43-60.
-- RUSA (Reference and User Services Association). (2004a). "Guidelines
for Implementing and Maintaining Virtual Reference Services." Reference&
User Services Quarterly, 44(1), 9-13.
-- Stacy-Bates, K. (2003). "E-mail Reference Responses from Academic
ARL Libraries: An Unobtrusive Study." Reference & User
ServicesQuarterly43(1), 59-70.
Due: Book Reviews, Books in Print, & Web Resources
exercise
Class Topic: Virtual Reference
Assignments:
1)Readings,
2)Engage in a chat reference interview at the IU libraries or at some other
institution. Make your questions sophisticated enough that you learn something
about the online interview process. Write a two page paper telling of what you
found. Be prepared to talk about it in the next class
Week 14 April 14: WEB 2.0 and LIBRARIES 2.0 and newer technologies.
"Web2.0" and "Library 2.0" refer to user-centered
indexing, knowledge organization, and retrieval, often making use of social
networks. The following links will familiarize you with these terms and some of
their associated technologies:
Readings:
--Buckland, Michael. "Reference library service in the digital
environment." http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~buckland/libref.pdf
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/oreilly/tim/news/2005/09/30/what-is-web-20.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2
http://www.digital-web.com/articles/web_2_for_designers/
http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html
http://www.ariadne.ac.uk/issue45/miller/
http://www.squidoo.com/library20/
http://www.technologyreview.com/printer_friendly_article.aspx?id=18395
http://www.technologyreview.com/printer_friendly_article.aspx?id=18396
--" A Hipper Crowd of Shushers" NY Times, July 8, 2007
Due: Chat reference assignment.
Assignment: Readings.
Week 15 April 21: INFORMATION ETHICS; REFERENCE
SERVICES FOR SPECIFIC POPULATIONS; ARCHIVES, MUSEUMS, AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Readings:
-- (optional) Jacobson, F.F.; & Sutton, E.D. (2001). "Reference
Services for Specific Populations." In R.E. Bopp & L.C. Smith. Reference
and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Westport, CT:
LibrariesUnlimited. pp. 279-306.
-- Miller-Gatenby, K.J.; & Chittenden, M. (2000). "Reference
Services for All: How to Support Reference Service to Clients With
Disabilities." The Reference Librarian, no. 69/70,
313-326.
-- Jimerson, R.C. (2003). "Archives and Manuscripts: Reference, Access,
andUse." OCLC Systems & Services, 19(1), 13-16.
-- (optional) Rubin, R.E. (2001). "Ethical Aspects of Reference
Service." In R.E. Bopp & L.C. Smith. Reference and Information
Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
pp. 28-46.
-- Southwell, K.L. (2002). "How Researchers Learn of Manuscript
Resources atthe Western History Collections." Archival Issues,
26(2), 91-109.
-- Tinerella, V.P.; & Dick, M.A. (2005). "Academic Reference
Service forthe Visually Impaired: A Guide for the Non-Specialist." College&
Research Libraries News 66(1), 29-32.
Week 16 April 28:
Class presentation of pathfinders. FINAL PROJECT
(PATHFINDERS) DUE. Please email to me (roday@indiana.edu)
the URL to your pathfinder with the subject line, "pathfinder".
Journals and Reference Sources to Browse
In addition to the required readings for each class, I encourage you to make
a habit of browsing recent issues of the following journals (all are available
online through the University's online catalog) and Internet sources:
Library Journal
College and Research Libraries
Information Today
Reference and User Services Quarterly
Reference Services Review
Searcher: The Magazine for Database Professionals
Library Success Wiki (good source): http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Main_Page
Job Resources
Library Job Postings on the Internet
Lisjobs.com - Jobs for Librarians and Information Professionals
LibrarySpot
LIS-UIUC: Sources of Job Information
SLIS-IUB