L524 Information Sources and Services
Summer II 2002
Monday & Wednesday 5:45 - 8:30pm

Instructor: Jeanne Holba Puacz
Office Hours by appointment
Telephone: (812) 232-1113 ext. 248
e-mail: jpuacz@indiana.edu

6/17/02

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." (from the SLIS website: www-slis.lib.indiana.edu/ accessed 2/05/02)

Required Text: Bopp, Richard & Linda Smith. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Englewood CO: Libraries Unlimited, 2001.

All assigned readings will be available in the IUB Library. Articles may be added to this list during the course of the class.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of L524 students should be able to:

• Describe, compare and evaluate different types of print & electronic information sources and use selected examples;
• Understand and apply techniques of question negotiation;
• Analyze an information need and identify types of sources likely to meet that need;
• Develop and apply appropriate search strategies for information retrieval;
• Be able to comprehend and discuss reference services and issues within the context of different types of libraries and information centers.

This introductory course combines theoretical considerations with practical hands-on use of information sources.

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

Student Responsibilities:

Attendance:

You are expected to attend all class sessions. If you are unable to attend, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor, arrange to turn in any assignments, and obtain notes.

Assignments:

• Assignments are due on the date specified. Late papers will be penalized.
• You must complete all assignments to pass the course.
• Indiana University and the School of Library and Information Science policies on academic dishonesty will be followed. Students found to be engaging in plagiarism, cheating, and other types of dishonesty will receive an F for the course.
• Contact your instructor if you do not understand any portion of an assignment: jpuacz@indiana.edu

 

 

COURSE CALENDAR
Changes or adjustments may be made.
Any changes or adjustments will be announced in class
and the syllabus will be updated to reflect the changes.

June 17
Introductions & Course Overview
History & Varieties of Reference
Overview of pp. 3-22 of required text
Directories, pt. 1 - Overview of  pp. 331-352 of required text.

June 19
Bibliographic Control, Organization of Information & Search Strategies
Be prepared to discuss pp. 69-93 of required text.
Directories, pt. 2 - Directories Reference Exercise Due
Almanacs, Yearbooks & Handbooks, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 357-361 & 373-374 of required text. Skim pp. 362-373.
 

June 24
Reference Interview & Question Negotiation
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 47-65 of required text.
Ethics & Philosophy of Reference
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 28-43 of required text.
 

June 26
Almanacs, Yearbooks & Handbooks, pt. 2 - Almanacs, Yearbooks & Handbooks Reference Exercise Due
Biographical Sources, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 381-387 & 401-403 of required text. Skim pp. 387-401.
 

July 1
Collection Development & Evaluation of Sources
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 309-324 of required text.
Electronic Resources
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 97-124 of required text. Skim pp. 126-146.
Paper #1 Due
 

July 3
Biographical Sources, pt. 2 - Biographical Reference Exercise Due
Dictionaries, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 409-414 & 426-428 of required text. Skim pp. 414-426.
 

July 8
Bibliographic Instruction & Information Literacy
Instruction as a reference service
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 177-200
Source Review Due
 

July 10
Dictionaries, pt. 2 - Dictionaries Reference Exercise Due
Encyclopedias, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp.433-445 & 454-455 of required text. Skim pp. 445-454.
Indexes & Abstracts, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 509-514 & 528-530 of required text. Skim pp. 515-528.
 

July 15
Organization & Management of Reference Services
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 265-274 of required text.
Training & Development of Staff
Be prepared to discuss pp. 210-235 of required text.
Indexes & Abstracts, pt. 2 - Indexes & Abstracts Reference Exercise Due

July 17
Encyclopedias, pt. 2 - Encyclopedias Reference Exercise Due  
Geographical Sources, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp.460-467 & 475-476 of required text. Skim pp. 467-475.
 

July 22
Variety of Services
Be prepared to discuss pp. 149-172 of required text.
Evaluation of Services
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 245-261 of required text.
Creating Reference Tools Within the Web Environment
Electronic Resource Exercise Due

July 24
Geographical Sources, pt. 2 - Geographical Reference Exercise Due
Bibliographies, pt. 1 - Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 480-486 & 502-504 of required text. Skim pp. 486-502.
 

July 29
Services to Special Populations
Special Libraries & Subject Specialists
Be prepared to discuss pp. 279-299 of required text.
Reference Observation Due
 

July 31
Bibliographies, pt. 2 - Bibliographies Reference Exercise Due
Government Information, pt. 1
Read & be prepared to discuss pp. 537-541 & 574-576 of required text. Skim pp. 542-574.


August 5
Government Information, pt. 2 - Government Information Reference Exercise Due
Future of Reference
Paper #2 Due
 

August 7
Review
Practicum

 

Assignments

Final grades will be based on the following scale:

 

Assignments

Papers

The purpose of these papers is to encourage you to analyze your thoughts, and the thoughts of your colleagues, on current issues of importance to the field of library and information science. Using the information provided in the required text and at least one additional, cited source, address the following topics. Papers should be 3 - 5 pages.

1. What is your philosophy of reference? Is your philosophy in agreement with the RUSA (Reference and User Services Association) Guidelines? Why or why not?  Paper #1 due July 1, 2002.
    
2. There is much discussion about the future of reference and reference librarians. What do you feel the future holds?  Paper #2 due August 5, 2002.

Electronic Resource Exercise

Electronic resources are increasingly important as reference sources.  "Librarians must work to develop expertise in database coverage and search options if the available electronic resources are to be fully exploited." (Smith & Bopp, p. 529)  In order to help you develop this expertise, you will choose a topic of interest to you or to a patron.  You will evaluate the databases available via IUCAT.  Identify the databases relevant to your chosen topic.  Formulate several search statements, using Boolean operators, that would be effective.  Remember that help screens and thesauri should be consulted.  Utilize these search statements in at least two of the identified databases.  Were your search statements effective?  Did the chosen databases provide usable results?  What could you do to refine the search?  Elaborate on these questions.  Would you use the same search statement when doing a general web search?  Why or why not?  Document this process in a 2-3 page paper, including any additional comments on searching that occur to you as you proceed.  Electronic Resource Exercise due July 22, 2002.

Source Review

A carefully selected and well maintained reference collection is vital to the provision of reference service. In order to ensure that you are prepared to evaluate reference materials and judge whether they are appropriate to your reference collection, you are asked to choose a reference source and write a brief (1 page) source review. A reference source is understood to mean any material, published work, database, website, etc. which is used to obtain authoritative information. The source you choose should be relevant to the population you hope to serve (i.e. adult vs. child; public vs. academic; etc.) Your review should take into account the format, scope, authority, treatment, arrangement, cost, etc. of the work. Read pp. 309-324 of the required text for additional information.   Source Review due July 8, 2002.

Reference Observation

The purpose of this assignment is to provide you the opportunity to observe reference work in the actual process. Be sure to have read Chapter 2 of the text, "The Reference Interview," before you observe.

Make arrangements to observe reference services in the type of library in which you hope to work (public, academic, special, school). You should observe for at least one hour; two hours is preferable. Be sure to arrange permission for your observation with the library before you arrive to observe.

During your observation, note the types of questions received and sources used, the reference interview, the library user's level of satisfaction, etc.

Write a report on your observation experience. You can describe the patrons, the library staff, level of service, etc.; include anything you feel is important. Is telephone reference provided? E-mail reference? Real-time chat reference? How successful are these services? Include the day and time of your observation. Provide the name of the library, the service points observed, and the name of the person in charge of each service point as well as the name of the person whose permission you obtained to do the observation. Your Observation Paper should be 3 - 5 pages.   Reference Observation due July 29, 2002.

Reference Question Assignments

The purpose of the reference question assignments is to help you become familiar with valuable reference sources and to develop effective search strategies. Each set of questions will focus on a particular type of reference source.  Assignments are due as noted on the course calendar.

• All questions should be answered from the sources provided; however, other legitimate reference sources will be accepted.
• Please (briefly) note all the sources consulted, whether they were helpful or not, as well as the source in which you located the answer. Your search strategy and the sources you choose to consult are just as important as finding the right answer.
• For the source where you locate the answer, please note the title, author or editor, edition, and publication date as well as the page number on which the answer was located.
• Online sources that are noted on the source list are acceptable; general web searches are not acceptable. If an online source is used, note the name of the source, the date accessed, etc.
• Answer 5 of the questions from each section. Answering more than 5 questions will result in bonus points.
• As you work on the questions, note one source that you find particularly helpful or one that you find particularly unhelpful.

 

Directories - Due June 19

1. What is korfball? Is there an International Organization that promotes korfball? Where is it located?

2. What is the zip code for East Lake Shore Drive in Chicago?

3. I think Clarence Brink is a cataloger; is he? How might I contact him?

4.What foundations might I approach that would consider providing my library a grant to fund a literacy program?

5. What and where is the Wyzsza Szkola Morska w Gdyni?

6. What information can you find for me about businessman Paul R. Roedel?

7. Find a manufacturer of bookplates.

Yearbooks, Almanacs & Ready Reference - Due June 26

1. Who won the 1942 Indianapolis 500? The 1959 Daytona 500?

2. What is the National Anthem of Sweden?

3. On what date did Admiral Farragut capture New Orleans? Name another significant event that occurred on that date in a different year.

4. How would you toast to someone's health in Polish? In Irish?

5. How should names of individual ships or vessels be written or typed?

6. What famous directive did Marshall Field give to his managers?

7. My doctor just prescribed Midrin for me; what precautions should I observe?

Biographies - Due July 3

1. Who was Pindar? When and where was he born?

2. Who is the current Duchess of Devonshire? What is her profession?

3. Are there any librarians from Urbana, Illinois, included in the current Who's Who in America? Name one.

4. I need to find biographical information about Jason Kidd for my school report, but it can't be from the web; where do I look?

5. I'd like to find information on Lorna Landvik and brief descriptions of some of her books; can you help me?

6. I need a bibliography of biographical articles about Al Capone.

7. Find biographical information about Queen Silver? How was she described by Luther Burbank?

Dictionaries - Due July 10

1. Find a dictionary definition for "millennium bug."

2. In addition to the dictionary, what other information is included in Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary?

3. When did the word postcard first enter the English language?

4. Describe the evolution of the saying "the coast is clear."

5. In terms of automobiles, for what is FIAT an acronym? Is there only one meaning?

6. What is "Dutch courage?"

7. Compare the coverage of Webster's Collegiate Thesaurus and Roget's International on "radical."

 

Indexes and Abstracts - Due July 15

1.  Can you point me to an anthology that includes the poem "We Real Cool?" Who wrote the poem?

2. Find a short story about cows that was published in 2000. Who wrote it? Was it published in a magazine, a collection, or both?

3. Compare the coverage of Social Science Citation Index and PAIS on the pollution of the Aral Sea.

4.  I am researching Eamon de Valera and need articles from around 1919; can you help me?

5. A couple of years ago I read an article about using paraprofessionals on the reference desk by someone named Genz; can you help me find the full citation?

6.  Find an abstract for an article that deals with using digital cameras in the K-12 classroom.

7.  Has the article "A K-band-selected photometric redshift catalog in the Hubble Deep Field South: Sampling the rest-frame V band to z=3," by Greg Rudnick, been cited by any other authors? Name one author who cited this article.

 

Encyclopedias - Due July 17

1. I need a picture of a silver spangled hamburg for school; where do I look?

2. Find information on Filippo Brunelleschi's use of architectural ornament.

3. Dreikanter is a scientific term; what does it mean?

4. Find background information and a color plate of Manet's "Bar at the Folies- Bergere."

5. Who visits Moscow in Mikhail Bulgakov's most famous literary work?

6. Describe the 3 main types of contemporary Jewish pilgrimages.

7. My school is doing a music project and I have to find a composer that is from the country of my ancestors. Can you help me find a Latvian composer?

 

Geographical Sources - Due July 24

1. What are the coordinates for Dibble Glacier Tongue?

2. What are the mainstays of the Fijian diet?

3. Is there a phone number or web site where I can find out about road construction in Quebec?

4. What can you tell me about Squirrel Village, IN?

5. For what was the Hansen Dam, CA, built?

6. What abbreviation does the Times Atlas use for Glacier?

7. What is the elevation of Washington, DC?

 

Bibliographies - Due July 31

1.  What is the toll-free number for Guideposts magazine?

2. The Odd Fellows' Literary Casket was a serial published in the 1850's; where should I look to get an overview of what volumes are held by what libraries?

3. Does Chester, Illinois, have a community newspaper?

4.  Is Click Clack Moo in print? Can you help me find a review of this book?

5.  Who wrote The Beasts of Saint Anthony?  How many libraries hold this title?

6.  Does the 11th edition of the Guide to Reference Books recommend our text book in the reference section?  Speculate on the reason why or why not.

7.  I need to find a library that holds the work Avvisi di Costantinopoli that was published in Venice in the 17th century.

 

Government Information - Due August 5

1. How many curbside recycling programs were available in the U.S. in 1999?

2. Where could I find an organizational chart for the Peace Corp?

3. The Senate voted on Alan Greenspan's confirmation in Senate Vote 6 on February 3, 2000. How did Indiana Senator Evan Bayh vote?

4. For the 107th Congress, who is the chair of the Joint Library Committee?

5. How did Florida vote in the 1996 presidential election?

6. Where could I find the names and contact information for the Indiana Supreme Court's Law Clerks?

7. Who is the Chaplain of the Marine Corp? Is he a Marine?

8. How do I get a passport?

9. Can you help me find a crime clock?