Dominican University

Graduate School of Library and Information Science

LIS 701: Introduction to Library and Information Science

Summer II, 2007

Monday and Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Instructor: Sheryl Nichin-Keith

Office Hours: One-half hour before class and by appointment

Telephone: 773-283-4169

E-mail: snichin@aol.com

Course Description

(from GSLIS Catalog)

An overview of the history, philosophy, purpose, functions and processes, users, collections and evaluation of academic, public, school and special libraries and information centers; of the history and trends of books and other media, publishing and information technology; of the principles and basic elements of the collection development process; of relevant legal and ethical topics – intellectual property (copyright), access, confidentiality of records, intellectual freedom and censorship; and of current professional issues.

Course Objectives

Since this course is an introductory course, the assessment of objectives will be at a basic level. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to

demonstrate an understanding of information infrastructure and information policy
demonstrate an understanding of where libraries fit in the developing information infrastructure
demonstrate an understanding of the similarities and differences in the purposes, functions and processes, users, collections, and evaluation of academic, public, school, special libraries and information centers
describe the history and trends of libraries and information centers, books and other media, publishing, and information technology
describe and discuss important economic and policy issues related to the creation and dissemination of information
demonstrate a knowledge of the principles and basic elements of the collection development process and an understanding of how the growth of information in electronic formats are changing the way librarians develop collections for users
demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property, access, confidentiality of records, intellectual freedom, and censorship, along with other relevant current legal and ethical topics
discuss major professional current issues
articulate an initial philosophy of library/information science

Required Texts

Gorman, Michael. Our Enduring Values: Librarianship in the 21st Century.

American Library Association, 2000.

Richard E. Rubin. Foundations of Library and Information Science. 2^nd ed.

New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.

In addition, each student will read one other non-fiction book from a list to be distributed in class.

Additional Assigned Readings

Other assigned readings will include journal articles and Internet resources. These readings are listed under the appropriate date in the Schedule portion of the syllabus. All of the journal articles are available as full-text articles in databases accessible through the Rebecca Crown Library web site at: http://domweb.dom.edu/library/crown/.

RESOURCES

Blackboard Accounts:

An online Blackboard (http://Blackboard.dom.edu) has been set up to facilitate the sharing of information, either administrative or questions about the class content. This is a private Blackboard accessible only to students currently enrolled in the course. I will provide instruction on setting up your Blackboard account during the first class session. I will also set up Discussion Groups so we can share questions and ideas by e-mail. Please feel free to post Blackboard messages to communicate and share ideas with each other. Also feel free to contact me directly if you feel your questions or comments are not appropriate for Blackboard. It will be your responsibility to check Blackboard routinely for any announcements, clarification of assignments, and general discussions, and to participate in them. Participation on Blackboard will count towards your mark in class participation.

Library and Information Science Journals and Electronic Resources

You should develop the habit of reading library and information science journals

such as American Libraries, Library Journal, Library Trends, Library Quarterly, Libri,

Illinois Libraries, Wired, etc., along with the more specialized journals of your interest. It is well worthwhile to spend time browsing in the periodical section of Rebecca Crown Library. Several area academic libraries (e.g., DePaul University, Northwestern University, Oakland Community College, Governors State University) also have holdings of many of these journal titles.

There are also many free electronic discussion groups and blogs that deal with aspects of library and information science. Web sites of library and information science organizations will often list their discussion groups and indicate how one "subscribes” to it. Be sure to save instructions on how to “unsubscribe” to an electronic discussion group. We will discuss some of these resources on July 11.

Resource Guides and Review Sources

(Useful for Subject Bibliography Assignment)

Crown Library Web Site – Citation Guides: http://domweb.dom.edu/library/Crown/citationguides.htm

Crown Library Web Site – GSLIS Resources: http://libsnap.dom.edu/ClassPages/lis7012006.htm

GSLIS Web Site – Career Paths: http://domin.dom.edu/depts/GSLIS/InfoCntr/PATHWAYS/PATHWAYSMAIN.htm

GSLIS Web Site – Course Guide: http://domin.dom.edu/depts/GSLIS/GSLISCourseGuide.pdf

Dominican University Intranet – GSLIS Syllabi:

http://domin.dom.edu/gslissyll.htm

ASSIGNMENTS AND OTHER CLASS REQUIREMENTS

Assignments are due as follows:

July 11 Proposed GSLIS sequence of courses

July 16 History of Libraries reports

July 18 Blog assignment

Association presentations begin on July 18

and continue through August 15

July 23 “L” Word issue paper

July 25 Subject Bibliography

Role of Academic Libraries issue paper

July 30 Ads in Schools issue paper

August 1 Outsourcing issue paper

August 6 Quality vs Demand issue paper

August 8 Copyright issue paper

August 13 Patriot Act issue paper

August 15 Certification issue paper

August 17 Research Analysis Paper

August 22 Final Exam

Class Participation 10%

Attend every class and participate in discussions. Read the assigned material and come to class prepared to discuss and critique these readings. You are always encouraged to bring additional literature to the attention of the class. Absences, late arrivals, and early departures will affect your class participation grade.

Issue Papers 15%

Throughout the semester, the class discussions will cover numerous professional issues and debates. You will need to complete three (out of a possible eight) issue papers during the semester that are based on some of these discussions. A handout that identifies the key questions surrounding a particular issue or debate will be given at the end of the class session when an issues-based topic is discussed. Each issue paper should be a two- to three-page, typed paper that sharply focuses on the topic. In these papers state your own well thought-out, critical opinions– not those of others. Each issue paper is due at the class session that immediately follows the issue-based discussion.

Blog Assignment 10%

Monitor one library blog selected from a list to be distributed in class. Check the postings for the last week and review the responses to the postings. Summarize the main issues in those postings and post your summary to our Blackboard discussion board. Respond/comment on at least one of the summaries posted by another student. Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria. This assignment is due on July 18.

Association Presentations 10%

Deliver a brief presentation that introduces the class members to an association that is of interest to librarians/information professionals. The presentation should be 5-7 minutes in length. Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria. Presentations will be scheduled on July 18, July 23, July 25, July 30, August 1, August 6, August 8, August 13, and August 15.

Library history paper: 10%

Select a library history topic from a list provided to the class, prepare a short paper (2-3 pages, double-spaced) about the topic and contribute to the class discussion on the history of libraries. Students will also be asked to post comments to Blackboard. Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria. This assignment is due on July 16.

Subject Bibliography 15%

For this assignment, you will need to use review sources to develop a subject bibliography of twelve to fifteen sources. In brief, you will be selecting a type of library, identifying your audience, choosing a subject, and preparing an annotated bibliography of recent materials recommended for addition to a library or information center collection. Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria. The assignment is due on July 25.

Research and Analysis Paper 15%

Prepare a future scenario for a specific type of library, media center, information agency, or library/information service that interests you (and meets with the approval of the instructor). Your paper (6-8 pages, double-spaced) should be based on a literature review of the trends and issues influencing the future direction of the type of library/center/agency or service you choose and should describe the likely scenario that will unfold over the next five years. Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria. Your paper is due on August 20.

Complete an exam on August 22. 15%

Grading

Grades will be determined as follows:

Class participation 10%

Four issue papers: 15%

Blog Assignment 10%

Library History Assignment 10%

Subject Bibliography: 15%

Research and Analysis Assignment 15%

Final exam: 15%

Total 100%

LIS GRADING POLICY (Effective 12/15/2004)

The faculty of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science use the following guidelines in their grading.

Grade	Point span	Numeric Equivalent	Definition
A	100-95	4.0	Outstanding achievement. Student performance demonstrates full command of the course materials and evinces a high level of originality and/or creativity that far surpasses course expectations; nearly flawless work.
A-	94-90	3.67	Excellent achievement. Student performance demonstrates thorough knowledge of the course materials and exceeds course expectations by completing all requirements in a superior manner.
B+	89-85	3.33	Good solid work. Student demonstrates strong comprehension of the course materials and exceeds course expectations on all tasks as defined in the course syllabus.
B	84-80	3.0	Satisfactory acceptable work. Student performance meets designated course expectations, demonstrates understanding of the course materials and performs at an acceptable level.
B-	79-75	2.67	Marginal work. Student performance demonstrates incomplete, substandard understanding of course materials, or absence of required work; indicates danger of falling below acceptable grading standard.
C+	74-70	2.33	Unsatisfactory work. Student performance demonstrates unsatisfactory understanding of course materials and inability to meet course requirements.
C	69-65	2.0	Unacceptable work. Student performance demonstrates incomplete and inadequate understanding of course materials.
C-	64	1.67	Poor work.
F	59 and below	0.0	Failing grade.

Note regarding late assignments: Assignments are due at the beginning of the class session on the date indicated. Issue papers will only be accepted on the date due i.e. cannot be turned in after the due date. For other papers, one point of the total points that a paper can earn will be deducted for each day the paper is late. For example, the Library History report is due July 16 and is worth a total of 10 points. If a student submits that paper on July 18, the maximum number of points that the student can earn will be 8 points. If a student has a crisis, s/he must bring this to my attention immediately if s/he expects any adjustment to the assignment schedule. I will then decide on a case-by-case basis if late penalties will be reduced or waived.

Academic Honesty and Integrity: “All students of the GSLIS are expected to observe high standards of academic honesty and integrity. Appropriate credit must be given to the original creators of all work used. Any student whose conduct violates such standards may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by due process.” (GSLIS Bulletin, p. 48) Please see the Dominican University Student Handbook for the full statement on academic integrity..

Format of Assignments:

All assignments will be double-spaced and will use a 12 font size. All papers should be double spaced and include page numbers. All assignments will be expected to have a coversheet. An example of this coversheet can be found in the “Assignments” section of Blackboard. I expect you will modify it appropriately for each assignment.

Any essay (be it for assignments or for exams) will be evaluated on the following criteria:

Persuasive presentation of position

Supporting reasons are sufficient and appropriate

Position is effectively supported

Evidence of reading and reflection

Clarity of exposition

Logical train of thought

Adequate connections between ideas, examples, etc.

Quality of writing

Proper grammar, spelling and sentence structure

Inclusion of a bibliography as appropriate

Use of correct citation style such as Turabian/University of Chicago, MLA, or APA..

Classroom policies regarding attendance and late arrival:

Students are expected to arrive to class on time and stay for the entire session. 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.

SCHEDULE

July 9 Overview of the Course and Introductions

Class activities: Discussion of Syllabus and class expectations

Using Dominican University Databases—Molly Beestrum, Systems Librarian, Crown Library, Dominican University

July 11 The Information Infrastructure: Libraries in Context

Read: Rubin, Ch. 1-2

Class activities: Introduction to Blackboard and library blogs

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Obtain a Dominican email account

Prepare a proposed GSLIS sequence of courses for your degree.

Include a brief paragraph that describes your career goals at this point

July 16 The Library as an Institution

Read: Rubin, Ch. 7

Gorman, Introduction, Ch.1-2

Casey, Michael and Laura Savasthinuk. “Library 2.0,” Library Journal 131 (September 1, 2006): 40-42.

Class activities: Discussion of readings and history of libraries papers

Assignment Due: Reports on history of libraries

July 18 Trends in Information Technology and the Publishing Industry Read: Rubin, Ch. 3

Gorman, Ch. 3-5

“Overview of Collection Development” section of the Arizona State

Library’s collection development tutorial. (Available online at: http://www.lib.az.us/cdt/)

Carlson, Scott. “Do Libraries Really Need Books.” Chronicle of Higher

Education 48 (July 12, 2002): A31+.

Epstein, Jason. “The Future of Books.” Technology Review 108

(January, 2005): 60-62.

Keller, Michael, Victoria Reich, and Andrew Herkovic.

“What is a Library Anymore, Anyway?” First Monday 8 (May 2003). (Available online at: http://www.firstmonday.dk/issues/issue8_5/keller/index.html.) (accessed 7/6/07)

Class activities: Discussion of readings

Blog Assignments due

Association Presentations begin

July 23 Academic Libraries

Read: Rubin, Ch. 9 (pp. 402-415)

Marcum, Deanna. “One Size Will Not Fit All.” Chronicle of Higher Education 52 (December 9, 2005): B24+.

Neal, James. “Information Anarchy or Information Utopia?” Chronicle of Higher Education. 52 (December 9, 2005): B23-24.

“Q&A: Academic Libraries.” Chronicle of Higher Education 52 (December 9, 2005): B24+.

Class activities: Guest speaker: Sally Anderson, Director of North Park University Brandel Library

Discussion of readings

Association Presentations continue

Assignment Due: “L” Word issue paper

July 25 School Library Media Centers

Read: Rubin, Ch. 9 (pp. 392-402)

Overview material available on the American Association of School Librarians web site it: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl: (accessed 7/6/07

Learning About the Job (http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/learningabout/learningabout.htm) (accessed 7/6/07

Roles and Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist (http://www.ala.org/aaslTemplate.cfm?Section=informationpower&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=19930) (accessed 7/6/07)

Presentations from the White House Conference on School Libraries (2002):

(Best read in the order listed.)

Lance, Keith Curry. “What Research Tells Us About the Importance of School Libraries.” White House Conference on School Libraries. (Available online at: http://www.imls.gov/news/events/whitehouse_2.shtm) (accessed 7/6/07)

Hartzell, Gary. “What’s It Take?” White House Conference on School Libraries. (Available online at: http://www.imls.gov/news/events/whitehouse_2.shtm#gh) (accessed 7/6/07)

Class activities: Guest speaker: Paul Whitsitt, Director, Department of

Libraries and Information Services, Chicago Public Schools

Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: The Role of Academic Libraries Issue Paper

Subject Bibliography Due

July 30 Special Libraries and Information Centers

Read: Rubin, Ch. 9 (pp. 415 - 421)

Abram, Stephen. “The 10 R’s Facing Information Professionals in Our

Association.” Information Outlook 7 (August 2003): 28+.

Ard, Constance. “What Are ‘Special Libraries’ and What Do ‘Special

Librarians

Do?” Kentucky Libraries 64 (Spring 2000): 16-18.Special Library

Association. Special Librarians: Putting Knowledge to

Work.(Available online at: http://www.sla.org/content/SLA/professional/meaning/what/index.cfm (accessed 7/6/07)

Class activities: Guest speaker: Susan P. Siebers, Director of Library &

Information Services, Katten Muchin Zavis Rosenman

Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Ads in Schools Issue Paper

August 1 Public Libraries: History and Development

Read: Rubin, Ch. 9 (pp. 373 - 392)

Auld, Hampton. “The Future of Public Libraries … Today!” Public

Libraries 42 (March/April 2003): 78-8

St. Lifer, Evan and Norman Oder. “What Public Libraries Must Do To

Survive.” Library Journal 126 (April 1, 2001): 60+.

Sullivan, Michael. “The Fragile Future of Public Libraries.” Public

Libraries 42 (September/October 2003): 303-308.)

Class activities: Visit to the Newberry Library

Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Outsourcing Issue Paper

August 6 Information Policy: Stakeholders and Agendas--Copyright Issues

Read: Rubin, Ch. 4

Gorman, Ch. 11

American Library Association copyright web page: http://www.ala.org/ala/washoff/WOissues/copyrightb/copyright.htm (Accessed 7/6/07)

A series of articles in Technology Review (June 2005):

(Best to read in the order listed.)

“Who Should Own Ideas? The Courts and Legislatures Should Preserve Copyright -- But Carefully.” Technology Review (June 2005). (Available online at: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=14529&ch=infotech) 9accessed 7/6/07)

Lessig, Lawrence. “The People Own Ideas! Do We Want Music, Software, and Books to be Free -- Or Not?” Technology Review (June 2005). (Available online at: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=14505&ch=infotech) (accessed 7/6/07)

Epstein, Richard. “The Creators Own Ideas: Contrary to What Lawrence Lessig Says, a Truly Free Society Allows for Proprietary Systems.” Technology Review (June 2005). (Available online at: http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=16353) (accessed 7/6/07)

Vaidhyanathan, Siva. “Copyright as Cudgel.” Chronicle of Higher

Education (August 2, 2002): B7.

Class activities: Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Quality versus Demand issue paper

August 8 Information Policy: Intellectual Freedom Issues and U.S. Patriot Act

Read: Rubin, Ch. 5

Gorman, Ch. 6

Airoldi, Joan. “Case Study: A Grand Jury Subpoena in the PATRIOT

Act Era,” Library Administration & Management 20 (Winter 2006): 26-29.

Class activities: Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Copyright issue paper

August 13 Information Policy: Privacy and Equity of Access Issues

Read: Gorman, Ch. 9 & 10

Class activities: Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Patriot Act issue paper

August 15 Ethics and the LIS Profession

Read: Rubin, Ch. 8

American Library Association “ALA Code of Ethics.” Available at

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm (accessed 7/6/07).

Class activities: Association Presentations continue

Discussion of readings

Assignment Due: Certification issue paper

August 20 Librarianship: An Evolving Profession

Read: Rubin, Ch. 10

Gorman, Ch. 12

Martin, Robert S. “Libraries and Librarians in the 21^st Century: Fostering

a Learning Society.” College & Research Libraries News.

(December, 2004): 668-671.

Roush, Wade. “The Infinite Library.” Technology Review, (May, 2005):

54-59.

Class activities: Future Directions & Discussion of Selected “Context”

Books

Assignment Due: Research/Analysis Paper Due

August 22 Final Exam

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

ISSUE PAPER: THE “L” WORD

Due: July 23

Questions to consider: How essential is the word “library” to the profession today?

Is the word “library” outdated and passé?

Is the use of the term “library” only suitable for certain types of

libraries?

Are there other words that could be or should be used to describe what we do and where we work?

What are the advantages or disadvantages to using the word “library”?

Prepare a two- to three-page paper that sharply focuses on the topic and presents your well thought-out, critical opinions. Be sure to support your points with specifics (i.e., examples, references to the course readings, comparisons, analogies, statistics, etc.) You may use the questions above to help develop your position related to the central topic.

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

- proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Issue Paper:

The Future of the Book in the Library/Information Center

Due: July 20

Background: Views about the future of the book range from predictions in the 1980’s of a “paperless society” to Crawford’s “paper persists” in the article you read for class.

Questions to consider: What do you think will be the role of publications in paper format in the library of 2025?

Will books be relegated to “museums of the book” as some refer to future libraries?

Are there parallels between the development of the printing press and electronic publishing that should encourage or discourage those who support a primarily paperless society?

Are there unintended effects of the digitization of information that we can foresee and guard against?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

- proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Issue Paper: Quality vs Demand

Due: August 6

Questions to Consider: What do you consider to be the primary role(s) of a public library? Why?

Should every public library have the same mission? What factors need to be considered in determining a public library’s mission?

What should be the library’s responsibility for acquiring mass-market popular materials?

Are high circulation statistics an adequate standard for measuring a public library’s “success”? Why or why not?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

· proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Issue Paper

Ads in Schools: Corporate Control or Corporate Support

Due: July 30

Background: An Internet service provider recently initiated a program to equip interested schools with a lab of fifteen Internet-connected PCs and a satellite dish, free of charge. In exchange, the Internet service provider targeted advertisements to the students via the computers and gathered information about the number of students visiting the ads, the gender of the students, and the school’s zip code. This information was then sold to the advertisers. Over 1500 schools participated in the program.

Questions to consider: Is this type of corporate involvement in schools appropriate or is it an exploitation of students?

Do schools/libraries have a responsibility to inform families about this type of arrangement if they participate?

Could librarians take advantage of such arrangements by teaching students how to evaluate material on the Internet?

What other factors should be considered when accepting corporate support?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

· proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

ISSUE PAPER: OUTSOURCING

Due: August 1

Background: Some library and information service functions that have traditionally been handled internally by library staff are now being “outsourced” to other types of organizations or vendors. Within the profession, there is a growing debate about the extent to which library activities should be outsourced.

Questions to consider: Are there library functions that should never be outsourced? If so, which functions and why?

Does outsourcing some library services constitute the privatization of a public institution?

What advantages might be gained from outsourcing some library activities? What are the disadvantages of outsourcing?

Does outsourcing provide an opportunity for enhanced library services and improved library management?

Are commercial enterprises, with their profit-making goals, ultimately at odds with the service-based goals of librarianship?

Will the percentage of library activities outsourced to outside agencies likely increase in the future? Why or why not?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

- proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Issue Paper:

The Role of Academic Libraries

Due: July 25

Questions to consider:

· Should a physical library be a requirement for accreditation of an institution of higher education? Why or why not?

· What services and functions do you think academic librarians should focus on? Why?

· Do you think libraries are becoming marginalized on most campuses? If so, what is taking the place of libraries?

· Is remote access to electronic resources sufficient for most areas of undergraduate study? Why or why not?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

- proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Issue Paper: Emerging Copyright Issues

Due: August 8

The development of electronic resources has prompted new legislation related to copyright. In class we will discuss the impact of recent copyright legislation on libraries, particularly the concept of “fair use.” Fair Use and other copyright questions have been raised with recent legislative initiatives, including open access to publicly funded research and hypertext linking. Discuss one of these two issues in your paper.

Issues to consider:

Open Access to Publicly Funded Research: The Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006 (FRPAA), would require federal agencies that fund significant amounts of research make the articles resulting from the research available on the Internet within six months of publication. Some journal publishers argue that FRPAA is unfair to commercial publishers and the research publication process in general. ALA and many researchers disagree and say that publicly funded research should be freely available to the public.

Hypertext Links: One of the unique and essential features of web design is the hypertext link, which allows users to access online documents directly from a web page. “Deep linking” occurs when the hypertext links take the user to the interior pages of a web site (rather than directing a user to the main page of a web site). Some web site owners argue that deep linking creates problems, because the host site’s main page is bypassed and ownership of a web page may not be clear. Others argue that hypertext links (including deep linking) are a type of navigation tool that simply provides guidance and access to information.

Prepare a two- to three-page paper that sharply focuses on the topic and presents your well thought-out, critical opinions. You may use the questions above to help develop your position related to the central topic.

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

· Persuasive presentation of position

- supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

- position is effectively supported

· Clarity of exposition

- logical train of thought

- adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

· Use of writing conventions

- proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

ISSUE PAPER: U.S.A. PATRIOT ACT

Due: August 13

The U.S.A. Patriot Act, which was passed shortly after September 11^th, greatly expanded the power of federal investigative and surveillance authorities. It raises numerous issues related to civil rights and national security. As you prepare your issue paper consider the following questions.

Questions to consider: Do you think libraries should be exempt from the U.S.A. Patriot Act? Why or why not?

How might the law affect the relationship between libraries and their patrons?

Some libraries have posted signs indicating that the library cannot guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of a patron’s use of the library. Do you agree with this type of action? Why or why not?

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Persuasive presentation of position

supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate
position is effectively supported

Clarity of exposition

logical train of thought
adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

Use of writing conventions

o proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701

Introduction to Library and Information Science

Summer II,2006

Issue Paper: Certification

Due: August 15

Background: It has frequently been proposed that the American Library Association become involved in library/information science certification programs. To receive certification in a profession, individuals are generally required to complete a specified course of study, pass a national or state standardized exam, or pass professional review of a portfolio. In the library/information science field, the most common use of certification is by states when they certify school library media specialists. Some states also offer certification programs for public librarians.

Questions to consider: What are the benefits and drawbacks of certification programs? Are there examples from other professions that might support or discourage the use of certification?

Should certification be a requirement of employment?

What governing body should oversee certification (e.g., individual states, a professional association, an education accreditation body, a federal agency)?

What would likely be the best means of certification—a designated course of study, an examination, a portfolio, or some combination?

Issue Paper Guidelines:

Prepare a two-to-three-page paper that sharply focuses on the topic and presents your

well thought-out critical opinions. You may use the questions above to help develop

your position related to the central topic but you are not limited to them.

Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Persuasive presentation of position

Supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate
Position is effectively supported

Clarity of exposition

Logical train of thought
Adequate connections between ideas, generalizations, and examples

Use of writing conventions

Proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

LIS701

Topic/”Context” Book Assignment

August 17, 2006

This is to clarify the Topic/”Context” Book assignment.

On August 17 we will discuss the Topic/”Context” Books that you have read. We will follow the discussion procedure that we have used several times during the Semester. You will get together in two groups:

You will meet with the other students who have read the same book.

You will have about 45 minutes to discuss the book and talk about how it relates to the information profession.

You will then meet in groups with other students who have read different books. In this second group, you will have about 45 minutes to tell this group about your Topic book and how it relates to the information profession and then listen to the other students talk about their books.

At the end of the second group the whole class will get together and I will lead a discussion about the themes of the books and how they relate to each other and the library profession.

As you read your Topic book and prepare for the December 1 discussions, consider the following questions:

How does your topic book relate to the key themes and issues addressed during the semester?

How does the book contribute to and enhance our understanding of the work we do in libraries and information centers?

Your contributions to this discussion will be part of your Class Participation grade.

LIS 701

Blog Assignment

Due Wednesday, July 18

As part of your professional development, you must be familiar with the issues and controversies of the day. You should develop the habit of reading/reviewing both print and electronic library and information science resources as well as specialized resources in your subject field. Recently there has been discussion in the library profession of how the electronic is replacing print as a method of keeping current.

For this assignment

you will monitor one library blog from the list below.
check the postings for the last week and review the responses to the postings. Do the responses agree or disagree with the original posting? Do they provide any new insights on the issue?
summarize the main issues in those postings and post your summary to our Blackboard discussion board. In your summary please indicate the name of the Blog that you followed. Did the blog postings enhance your knowledge of the issues faced by libraries and librarians today?
respond/comment on at least one of the summaries posted by another student.

Evaluation criteria for this assignment:

Fullness and correctness of summary posted
Appropriateness of response/comment posted

List of Blogs

Distant Librarian: http://distlib.blogs.com/distlib/ideas/index.html

Free Range Librarian: http://www.freerangelibrarian.com/

Information Wants to be Free: http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/index.php

Library Garden: http://librarygarden.blogspot.com/

Library Stuff: http://www.librarystuff.net/

Tame the Web: http://tametheweb.com/

The Ubiquitous Librarian: http://theubiquitouslibrarian.typepad.com/

LIS701: INTRODUCTION TO LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

Research Analysis Paper

Learning Outcome Assessment for GSLIS Program

Due: August 17

For this assignment, students will prepare a paper (8 pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double spaced with a maximum of 2000 words, excluding bibliography) that evidences the following GSLIS learning outcome: "demonstrate an understanding of the philosophies, practices, and theories of library and information science that incorporates an awareness of the legacies, values, and ethical responsibilities of libraries and the information professions."

Identify an issue or topic reflective of the learning outcome as addressed in the literature of one of the following library, information, or knowledge areas of professional practice: (1) academic libraries, (2) information-knowledge management centers, (3) public libraries, (4) school libraries, (5) museums, or (6) other government or private sector information-knowledge providers (e.g., newspapers, television, or other mass media, etc.) or specialties (e.g., competitive data analysis, management of web-based interactive communication, etc.).

Through a review of the relevant literature, define and describe the issue/topic to be examined, including its historical context within the profession. What are the most significant aspects of the issue/topic as it relates to professional practice? Is this a “new” issue or a progression of an “old” unresolved problem? Why is the issue/topic important?

Identify the range of responses/solutions being considered and implemented by practitioners to address the implications of the issue. What professional values and ethics inform the various perspectives on the issue within the profession? How have other communities of practices or stakeholders responded to the issue?

Provide an analysis and evaluation of the responses/solutions identified. Which solution(s)/recommendation(s) do you favor or advocate? Why?

Your paper and bibliography will be assessed according to the following criteria:

PAPER: Clarity of exposition

· Coherent synthesis of the professional literature

· Logical train of thought

· Adequate connections between ideas, support of generalizations, choice of illustrative examples

Persuasive presentation of position

· Issue(s) selected are relevant and clearly explained

· Supporting reasons are sufficient, cogent, and appropriate

· Position is effectively supported

Use of writing conventions

· Proper grammar, spelling, and sentence structure

· Appropriate use of citations and references

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Reflects a careful review of available literature related to the topic/issue

· Includes at least fifteen sources (in a variety of formats)

· Follows proper bibliographic format as assigned by the instructor (e.g., APA, Chicago, or MLA)

LIS 701 Uniform Assignment Explanation

The current GSLIS Assessment Plan calls for a uniform assignment in each required course (LIS 701, LIS 703, LIS 704, and LIS 770) which will be used to assess progress toward the GSLIS program’s Learning Outcomes. The uniform assignment also carries a uniform weight toward the student’s grade in that course. This final paper serves as the uniform assignment for LIS 701, and will count for 15% of the student’s grade in that course.

All students enrolled in all sections of LIS 701, Introduction to Library and Information Science, should be aware that an anonymous copy of their final paper will be evaluated by a committee of GSLIS faculty to help determine how effectively students demonstrate competencies articulated in Outcome 1 of the of the GSLIS Assessment Plan.

Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the philosophies, practices, and theories of library and information science that incorporates an awareness of the legacies, values, and ethical responsibilities of libraries and the information professions.

Students will submit two (2) copies of their final paper on the due date, one of which will be free of all identifying features, including the student’s name or LIS 701 section number. This paper should be blank except for its title, text, and bibliography; all formatting should be the same as in the original paper.

A statistically valid number of anonymous papers (at least thirty from the semester’s combined LIS 701 sections) will be selected using a random numbers table. The papers will be reviewed by a committee of faculty who teach LIS 701. Results of the assessment process will be included in the ongoing GSLIS program review and planning process.

General

AcqWeb (http://acqweb.library.vanderbilt.edu) is a comprehensive web site that

provides information and resources for collection development and acquisitions.

Access to both general and specialized online review sites is also provided. (Accessed 6/28/06)

Online Bookstores: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com) sells products, including

videos, CDs, and books, and it often includes professional book reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, etc. See also: Barnesandnoble.com (http://www.barnesandnoble.com).

Book Review Digest. New York: Wilson, 1905-current. (Available online through FirstSearch in the “Articles” section on the Crown Library web site; Also available in the Crown Library.) Monthly except February and July with annual cumulations. Provides information about reviews in journals, newspapers, etc.

Book Review Index. Detroit: Gale, 1965-current. (The print version is available on the index tables in Crown Library.) Bi-monthly with annual cumulations. BRI is also available through Dialog (File 137) and on CD-ROM. The electronic versions contain review citations since 1965 in more than 500 publications to over 1 million titles.

Booklist. Chicago: American Library Association, 1905-current.

(Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A review source published twenty-two times per year. Starred reviews from recent issues and some feature bibliographies are available online (http://www.ala.org/booklist). (Accessed 6/28/06)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

Books in Print with Book Reviews Plus. (Available through FirstSearch in the “Articles” section on the Crown Library web site.) The online resource that incorporates Books in Print (1948+), Paperbound Books in Print (1955+), Subject Guide to Books in Print (1957+), and Forthcoming Books (1966+). Offers reviews of titles from 12 reviewing sources: Publisher’s Weekly, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Choice, Booklist, University Press Book News, BIOSIS, Bookstore Journal, Voice of Youth Advocates, Kirkus Reviews, Reference and Research Book News, and Sci-Tech Book News.

Kirkus Reviews. New York: Kirkus, 1933-current.

(Available online through Academic Universe – on-campus only --

in the “Articles” section on the Crown Library web site. The journal issues

available in Crown Library.) A semi-monthly review publication.

Library Journal. New Providence, NJ: Bowker, 1876-current.

(Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A semi-monthly comprehensive review source. An electronic version with some reviews is available at http://www.libraryjournal.com. (Accessed 6/28/06)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

New York Times Book Review. 1896-current. Weekly review section of the Sunday New York Times newspaper. (NYTs book reviews are also available online through Academic Universe – on-campus only – in the “Articles” section on the Crown Library web site.)

Publishers Weekly. New Providence, NJ: Bowker, 1872-present. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A weekly review source for new publications. An electronic version is available at http://www.publishersweekly.com. (Accessed 5/2/07)

Check to see if you can access reviews without a subscription

Videos, Films, CD-ROMs, and Audio Cassettes

Films for the Humanities & Sciences. (http://www.films.com) (Accessed 5/2/07)

The company’s web site includes some reviews but should be used in conjunction with Media Review Digest.

The Internet Movie Database. (http://www.imdb.com/) (Accessed 6/28/06)

An extensive and searchable movie database that is an arm of the Amazon.com company.

Media Review Digest. Ann Arbor: Pierian, 1973/74-current.

(Available online through the Crown Library web site; the library also has volumes from 1977 to the present, located on the index tables.)

RecordedBooks.com claims to be the premier publisher of unabridged audio books on cassette and CD. (http://www.recordedbooks.com) (Accessed 5/2/07)

Check to see if you can access reviews without a subscription

Video Librarian. Bremerton, WA: Video Librarian, 1986-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A bi-monthly publication containing nearly 100 video reviews in each issue. An online version that includes new reviews and full-text reviews, 1994-1998, is available at http://www.videolibrarian.com. (Accessed 5/2/07)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

Government Documents

The Government Printing Office (GPO) database is available through FirstSearch in the “Articles” section on the Crown Library web site.

Electronic Resources

Gale Directory of Databases, edited by Kathleen Lopez Nolan. 2 vols. Detroit: Gale, 1997. (Crown Library: Ref QA 76.9 .D32 G36 1997)

PC Magazine. Emeryville, CA: Ziff-Davis, 1986-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A monthly journal that also includes reviews. Also available online at http://www.pcmag.com. (Accessed 5/2/07).

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

Software and CD-ROM Reviews on File: A Monthly Survey of Computer Software and CD-ROM Reviews with Cumulative Index and Guide to Published Reviews. New York: Facts on File, 1996-current. (Available in the Crown Library reference section: Ref QA 76.6 .S64.) Summarizes reviews of software programs and CD-ROMs from more than 100 printed and online publications.

Children / Young Adult Materials

Appraisal: Children’s Science Books. Cambridge, MA: Children’s Science Book Review Committee, 1967-current. (Available in the Crown Library journal section.) A monthly review journal from the Children’s Science Book Review Committee.

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books. Urbana: University of Illinois, 1947-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A monthly review journal. The current issue of the journal and some past reviews are available online (http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/puboff/bccb). (Accessed 5/2/07)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

The Horn Book Magazine. Boston: Horn Book, 1924-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A bi-monthly review journal. Information about the journal and some reviews are available at http://www.hbook.com. (Accessed 5/2/07)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

School Library Journal. New Providence, NJ: Bowker, 1947-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A monthly journal that includes reviews of books, AV and CD-ROMs, and software. SLJ Online is available at http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/ (Accessed 5/2/07)

Can’t access reviews without a subscription

VOYA: Voice of Youth Advocates. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow, 1978-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A bi-monthly publication.

Academic Resources

Choice: Current Reviews of Academic Books. Chicago: American Library Association, 1964-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A monthly review publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries of ALA. Previous issues and a two-month trial online subscription are available at http://www.ala.org/acrl/choice. (Accessed 5/2/07)

Check to see if you can access reviews without membership number

College & Research Libraries News. Chicago: American Library Association, 1949-current. (Journal issues available in Crown Library.) A monthly journal of the Association of College and Research Libraries that includes reviews. A regular online review column is available at http://www.ala.org/acrl/c%26rlnew2.html (Accessed 5/2/07)

Check to see if you can access reviews without membership number

Future of the Book issue paper