Syllabus Annotated Assignments Schedule Back to Course Page
SCHOOL OF INFORMATION
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
INF 382L
Spring 2006
Unique no. 26168
Bill Lukenbill
Office SZB 562H
Phone471-3876
Email luke@ischool.utexas.edu
Office Hours: Tu. 4-5 and Th. 2-3
Syllabus
INF 382L. Information Resources and Services in the Popular Library
Course Description: Evaluation and use of printed and online information resources and services found and used in the popular library (e.g., schools and public libraries, with emphasis on new information technologies. Information-seeking behavior of users, document delivery, new roles of the information specialist in users support, communication and helping skills, and information needs of a variety of clients using popular libraries. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. (Graduate standing)
Purposes and Objectives of the Course
The Objectives of this course are:
1. To acquaint you with and increase your knowledge of a sample of reference tools which are considered basic for the answering of typical reference questions in popular libraries and information centers (schools and public libraries);
2. To introduce techniques and procedures for the critical evaluation of reference materials;
3. To introduce you to standard techniques for the solving of typical information questions;
4. To acquaint you with the basic helping relation concepts and communication skills suitable of use in reference and information retrieval work;
5. To introduce you to fundamental concepts in information and reference services, including electronic information delivery.
6. To introduce you to basic procedures for planning, managing, and evaluation of reference services
Texts (Some required)
Bopp, Richard E. and Smith, Linda. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 3rd ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2001.
Janes, Joseph. Introduction to Reference Work in the Digital Age. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2003.
Lukenbill, W. Bernard. Community Resources in the School Library Media Center. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2004. Z 675 S3 L8954 2004 PCL Reserves.
Katz, William A. Introduction to Reference Work. 8th ed. 2 vols. New York: McGraw-Hilll, 1997. Z711 K32 2002 PCL University of Texas.
INF 382L Manual. (purchase at copy shop)
Helpful General Guides to Reference Sources and Services
American Association of School Librarians. A Planning Guide for Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning with School Library Media Program Assessment Rubric for the 21st Century. Chicago: American Library Association, 1999. Z 675 S3 P559 1999. PCL Reserves
American Association of School Librarians and Association for Educational Communication and Technology. Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. New ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 1998. Z 675 S3A436 1988 PCL Stacks/ PCL Reserves.
American Reference Books Annual. Littleton, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1970 to date. Z 1035.1 A55 PCL Ref.
Balay, Robert, ed. Guide to Reference Books. 11th ed. American Library Association, 1996. Supplements as announced. Z1035.1 G89 1996 PCL Ref.
Braun, Linda. Teen Library: Developing Internet Services for Young Adults. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002.
Campbell, Nicole, ed. Usability Assessment of Library-Related Web Sites. LITA Guide #7. Chicago: Library and Information Technology Association, 2001.
Chelton, Mary K. and Young Adult Services Association. Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults: The Nation's Top Programs. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2000.
Davidsen, Susanna and Yankee, Everyl. Web Site Design with the Patron in Mind: A-Step-by-Step Guide for Libraries. Chicago: American Library Association, 2004.
Durrance, Joan C. and Pettigrew. Online Community Information: Creating a Nexus at Your Library. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002.
Gale Directory of Databases. Gale Research, 1993 to date. QA 76.9 D32 D575 PCL Ref.
Gordon, Rachel Singer. Teaching the Internet in Libraries. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001.
Hughes-Hassell and Wheelock, Ann., eds. The Information-Powered School: Public Education Network and American Association of School Librarians. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001. Z 675 S3 I4265 2001 PCL Reserves
Libutti, Patricia O'Brien. Digital Resources and Librarians: Case Studies in Innovation, Invention, and Implementation. Chicago: American Library Association, 2004.
Norlin, Elaina, and Winters, C. M.. Usability Testing for Library Web Sites: A Hands-On Guide. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002.
Ratzan, Lee. Understanding Information Systems: What They Do and Why We Need Them. Chicago: American Library Association, 2004.
Sweetland, James H. Fundamental Reference Sources. 3rd ed. Chicago: American Library Association, 2001.
Wilson, A, Paula. Library Web Sites: Creating Online Collections and Services. Chicago: American Library Association, 2004.
Ziarnik, Natalie Reif. School and Public Libraries: Developing the Natural Alliance. Chicago: American Library Association, 2003.
Periodicals Worth Knowing
The Booklist. (Periodical). Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Continues: Booklist and Subscription Books Bulletin. Current Issues Shelved by Title Periodicals Room Pcl 2.500. Summary Of Older Volumes: PCL Stacks Z 1035 A49 V.66 1969/70 through V.101 No.1-12 2004/05. Earlier issues on microfilm.
Knowledge Quest: Journal of The American Association Of School Librarians. (Periodical). Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Continues in part School Library Media Quarterly. Current issues shelved by title periodicals room PCL 2.500. Older issues at Z 675 S3 S2912 PCL.
Information Technology and Libraries. (Periodical). Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Current issues shelved by title periodicals room PCL 2.500. Older issues at Z 678.9 A1 I536 PCL. .
Public Libraries (Periodical) Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Continues Public Library Association -PLA Newsletter. Current issues in Periodicals Room PCL 2.500. Older issues at Z 731 P932 PCL
Online (Periodical). Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Current issues in Periodical Room, PCL, older issues at Z 699 A1 O5445 PCL.
Reference and User Services Quarterly (Periodical). Continuation of RQ. Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Current issues in Periodical Room, PCL, older issues at Z 671 R23 PCL.
Reference Librarian (Periodical). Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Current issues in Reference Room, PCL, older issues at Z 11 R52 PCL.
School Library Journal : SLJ. Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Continues: JuniorLibraries. Current Issues Shelved by Title Periodicals Room Pcl 2.500. Summary of older volumes: PCL Stacks Z 675 S3 S29115 V.21 1974/75 through V.51 No.1-4 2005.
School Library Media Research: SLMR. Electronic access available through UT Libraries. Continuation of School Library Media Quarterly.
Outline of Topics
What is Reference?
History of Reference and Information Provisions in Libraries
Current Developments and Issues
What We Use to Provide Services
Management Skills
Technical Skills
People Skills
Social Responsibilities and Expectations
Connecting with Our Communities
Introduction to Essential Techniques
Helping People Find Information
Communication Theories
Helping Relationships and Helping Skills
Information Retrieval Skills
Information Retrieval
Boolean logic
Truncation
Controlled vocabulary
How People Learn and the Relationship to Information Needs
Tools and skills for Evolution of Information
Evaluation of Resources
Print and Electronic Resources
Internet
Information Needs of Users
Situational and Contextual Influences
Cognitive Needs
Affective Needs
Social and Cultural Needs
Analyzing the Reference Question/Inquiry
Contextual Considerations
Institutional Context
Person as Context
Place as Context
Inquiry in Context
Source in Context
Finding Information-Sources and Contexts
Biographical Resources
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesWords and Dictionaries
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesFacts and Ready References
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesBibliography and Bibliographic Control
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesEncyclopedias
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesElectronic Resources
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesPlaces and Travel
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and InquiriesCommunity Information
Problems and Issues
Examples of tools and Inquiries
Management, Planning, and Evaluation of Services
Information Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills
Grade Values and Assignments
Exercise Portfolio (15%) and Class Participation (5%) ---------------20%
Reading Journal and 3 Reviews (10% each) ---------------40%
Review 1
Review 2
Independent study review
1 Group Project (panel discussion) ---------------20%
1 Field Exercise (interview or facilities observations) ---------------20%
Assignment due dates
Exercise Portfolio ---------------April 20
Class participation ---------------Ongoing
Reading Journal ---------------April 20
Review 1 ---------------Feb. 23
Review 2 ---------------March 23
Independent Study ---------------Feb. 16
Panel discussion ---------------TBA
Field Exercise ---------------April 13