RIVER FOREST, ILLINOIS
Graduate
January 15, 2008
Organization of Knowledge (LIS703)
Room 340 (Main
Library)
Spring 2008
Professor Nancy John
Crown 313
Office hours: By
appointment, in-person and skype (nrjohn)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
An overview of principles, methods and
systems in the organization of all types of library materials and
information. An introduction to the
basic level use and interpretation of principles for AACR2R, subject headings,
Dewey Decimal classification, OCLC (On-line Computer Library Center), MARC 21
(Machine Readable Cataloging) formats and Library of Congress Classification
(prerequisite or co-requisite: LIS 701)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of the course is to
provide, through an integrated approach, an overview of principles, systems,
techniques and tools in the organization of information and to prepare each
student to understand user needs in different information environments. Specifically, at the end of the course each
student will:
Ø
Describe the
principles, systems and methods of organizing knowledge from the perspective of
information access and retrieval by using, analyzing and interpreting them
effectively;
Ø
Demonstrate an
understanding of the similarities and differences in the purposes and systems
of distinguishing, describing, and indexing intellectual works to meet the
needs of users in various environments;
Ø
Demonstrate
effectively an awareness of current standards and also an awareness of areas in
which there are no standards, by analyzing and evaluating existing information
when a number of standard organizing tools are used and interpreted;
Ø
Describe and
critique various schemes and techniques currently used to organize information
in different environments by defining and using correctly terminology commonly
used;
Ø
Analyze and
suggest appropriate approaches of organizing knowledge in given real-world use
situations by interpreting appropriate principles and methods and by
articulating a philosophy.
COURSE ASSESSMENT TO ASSIST THE
To
assist with the
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING
Assignments
cover several areas. While the core
reading of assigned chapters from the textbooks for each meeting is mandatory,
additional readings, relevant to the topic under discussion, are also required
when listed in the syllabus or on Blackboard.
Each student is expected to complete and submit all written assignments
on time. The final take-home exam will
cover textbook readings and all assignments discussed and completed in the
course.
The
final grade is determined on the basis of several written assignments,
classroom participation, a mid-term examination and a final examination. Exercises must be turned in on the agreed schedule. The breakdown of evaluation is as follows:
|
Classroom
attendance and participation |
100 points |
|
Written assignments |
300 points |
|
Mid-term
examination |
300 points |
|
Final examination
including |
300 points |
Required Texts:
1. Taylor,
Arlene G. The Organization of
Information. 2nd ed.
2. Saye, Jerry
D. with April T. Bohannan. Manheimer's Cataloging and Classification: A
Workbook. 4th ed. (Revised and expanded)
Additional Resources (see schedule):
Catalogers Desktop. Available on the computers at the Rebecca
Crown
Cutter Sanborn Three-Figure
Author Table.
Dewey Decimal
Classification. Four vol. set available
in Room 203. Online version, see:
http://www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/ddc22print/
“
Dewey and the Alien. http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/dre/dewey/Alien/alien.htm
Joint Steering Committee for the
Revision of AACR2 – RDA FAQ. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/jsc/index.html
Library of Congress
Authorities. Available online at: http://www.authorities.loc.gov
Library of Congress. LC Classification Outline.
Library of Congress
Classification Tables (latest editions).
Available in Room 203. Also available
online at: http://lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/lcco.html
Library of Congress. MARC21 format.
Also available at http://connexion.oclc.org
(See separate document for
authorization numbers and passwords.)
Library of Congress. Understanding MARC Bibliographic.
Library of Congress Subject
Headings. Available in Room 203. Also available through Classification Web.
It is expected that you will
explore and become familiar with the Library of Congress’ online services and
catalog as well as their other cataloging and classification services,
including tools for cataloging and classification. http://www.loc.gov
MARC Format, Bibliographic: http://www.oclc.org/bibformats/en/default.shtm
OCLC Connexion. See separate hand-out.
Sears List of Subject
Headings. 19th ed.
Tillett, Barbara. What is FRBR?
Understanding MARC Bibliographic
Machine-Readable Cataloging.
OCLC ACCESS: http://www.oclc.org/home/
The Searching WorldCat Reference
Card is available in HTML format at: http://www.oclc.rg/support/documentation/worldcat/searching/refcard/
It is also available in PDF
format at: http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/worldcat/searching/refcard/searchworldcatquickref.pdf
There is a laboratory on the
third floor (next to the office) that is set up with computers giving you
access to Catalogers Desktop, OCLC’s WorldCat and Connexion, Dublin Core
Metadata standards, Authorities User Guide, Authority Record Format. You are also able to access the various
subject databases subscribed to by Dominican.
It is expected that you will explore and become familiar with the OCLC
URLs in particular.
The Instructor assumes the right
to modify the assigned readings during the semester as is appropriate.
Assignments Points Due Date
Assignments total 300 various
Midterm 300
Feb. 26
Final (distributed April 1, 2008) 300
Apr. 22
In-Class & Blackboard participation and engagement 100
throughout
Students are expected to be attentive and
engaged regardless of their interest in the day’s topic. Points will be awarded
continuously throughout the course to reflect high-quality, engaged
participation. Inattentive behavior (e.g. doing email during class, sleeping,
distracting conversation) will result in no or negative points being awarded
for a given session.
TOTAL: 1000
Academic
Honesty and Integrity:
Students of the university must conduct
themselves in accordance with the highest standards of academic honesty and
integrity. Failure to maintain academic
integrity will not be tolerated.” For definitions of plagiarism, cheating and
academic dishonesty, see p. 20 of the 2007-2008
Student Handbook and Planner.
"All students of the
Grading
Assignments
may be submitted on paper or electronically (by email as an attachment, or via
Blackboard) and are due (time-stamped) by the close of class on each due-date. A minimum of 10 points will be deducted
for late submissions. Network failures are not a valid excuse. All
electronic submissions will be acknowledged within 24-hours. All written work
should be clear and error free.
Note: Please
refer to the Dominican grading policy (listed
below class) regarding
|
A |
A- |
B+ |
B |
B- |
C+ |
C |
C- |
|
|
|
94-100 |
90-93 |
86-89 |
82-85 |
78-81 |
74-77 |
70-73 |
65-69 |
|
|
Classroom policies regarding attendance and late arrival:
Students are expected
to arrive to class on time and stay for the entire session. You are graduate
students and adults and are responsible for your actions. While I may not
take attendance, I do notice whether or not you are late for class or skip
sessions altogether. Frequent tardiness or missing classes without good
cause will be held against you. Students who must miss a class due to religious observance,
illness or other emergency should notify me by e-mail or phone before class
time. Students are responsible for obtaining class materials distributed
during their absence, for ensuring their familiarity with the material covered
in class, and for completing any assignments on schedule. You are expected to
turn off all cell phones and pagers during class so that full attention can be
given to the work at hand.
Statements about consequences for failure to meet the
requirements of the course or classroom policies:
Students are expected to attend class, read
the assigned texts, participate in class discussions, participate on the course
Blackboard site, and complete in-class and homework assignments in the
timeframes stated.
Taping or videoing the class
There will be no taping or videoing of the class unless the reason is
to conform with
Detailed Class Schedule
In general, classes will have the
following format:
- Discussion and questions about readings,
assignments, course logistics, future lectures etc.
- A lecture/presentation on the day’s topic
(generally 60-90 minutes)
- A 15-20 minute break (as time allows)
- A class participation session; examples are a
hands-on assignment, student presentations, or in-depth discussion of the
assigned readings
- 5-minute wrap-up
January 15: INTRODUCTION
s
Review of
syllabus
s
Conceptual
framework for organizing knowledge: concepts, definitions, principles of
bibliographic systems
s
Assignment of
work groups/teams
s
Listen to or
read the transcript of: http://www.onthemedia.org/episodes/2008/01/04/segments/91458
(we will do this in class)
January 22: INFORMATION ENVIRONMENT & BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
s
Historical
context and evolution
s
Organization
of knowledge in library and non-library environments
Borges, Jorge Luis. “The Library of
January 29: INFORMATION
ENVIRONMENT & BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
·
Data elements
in bibliographic records
·
Electronic
formats
·
User needs
ASSIGNMENT #1:
Physical organization of a library (DUE
JANUARY 29)
Review of Assignment # 1
February 5: BIBLIOGRAPHIC TOOLS: Descriptive Cataloging
s
Descriptive
cataloging principles
s
Rules for
descriptive cataloging
s
AACR2R and
amendments
s
MARC
s
Others
Manheimer, Chapter 1. Rules of Description.
February 12: BIBLIOGRAPHIC TOOLS: Descriptive Cataloging
Manheimer, Chapter 2 – Choice of Access Points.
February 19: BIBLIOGRAPHIC TOOLS: Descriptive Cataloging
REVIEW OF PREVIOUS
SESSIONS
ASSIGNMENT #2: Bibliographic access to a library’s materials
(Due FEBRUARY 19)
February 26: MIDTERM & BIBLIOGRAPHIC TOOLS: Vocabulary Control
s
Classification
systems and subject heading lists
s
Authority
files: concept, definition and development
s
Relevance of
vocabulary control in bibliographic systems
Review of Assignment # 2
March 4 SPRING BREAK – NO CLASS
March 11: BIBLIOGRAPHIC
TOOLS: Classification Systems
s
General
Principles
s
LCC
s
DDC
s
UDC
s
Others
s
Call numbers
and Cutter numbers
Manheimer, Chapter 6.
Dewey Decimal Classification. Chapter 7.
Library of Congress Classification.
March 18: BIBLIOGRAPHIC TOOLS: Subject Cataloging
s
Subject
cataloging principles
s
Sears
s
LCSH
s
Others
Manheimer, Chapter
8. Library of Congress Subject
Headings.
March 25: FILING PRINCIPLES
·
General filing
schema
·
Library information
systems
·
Non-library
information systems
·
Manual filing
vs. electronic filing
·
Display
characteristics
ASSIGNMENT #3: SUBJECT RETRIEVAL
(DUE MARCH 25)
Review of Assignment # 3
April 1: MACHINE
READABLE CATALOGING