301834 (v.3) Information Studies 308 - Information Provision

Area:

Department of Media and Information

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

3.0

Lecture:

1 x 1 Hours Weekly

Seminar:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

The role of the reference and information service. The reference interview. The organisation of subject/discipline access. Advanced search strategies, including their use with automated information retrieval. Planning, promoting and evaluating reference and information services. The role of the Internet in reference and information services. Current awareness services. Citation indexing. User education/information literacy. Ethical issues of references services.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Become familiar with advanced and specialised forms of index for information retrieval, including citation indexes. The ability to conduct an effective reference interview, be able to plan and conduct effective subject searches for using print and electronic formats, including the Internet. An understanding of user education philosophy and practice in a variety of information service centres. Become familiar with the major issues involved in planning, implementing and evaluating an effective modem reference service.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Ackermann, E. and Hartman, K. (1999), The information specialists guide to searching and researching on the Internet. Chicago, Fitzroy Dearbom. Large, A. et al. (1999), Information seeking in the online age: principles and practice. London, Bowker, Saur. Thomsen, E. (1999), Rethinking reference. New York, Neal-Schuman.

Unit Texts:

Katz, W.A. (2002), Introduction to reference services (eighth edition). New York, McGraw-Hill.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Essay 30%, Exam 40%, Online search and evaluation 20%, User education delivery 10%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y		Y
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2			Y