Dominican University Mission: Dominican University, a comprehensive Catholic institution sponsored by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, prepares candidates to pursue truth, to give compassionate service and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.  The University Motto, Caritas et Veritas, characterizes the essence of this mission.

 

Dominican University

Graduate School of Library and Information Science

LIS 701 02:  Introduction to Library and Information Science, Spring 2008

Thursdays, 1-4 p.m.

 

Contact Info:   Professor Janice M. Del Negro

                          Crown 323

                          708.524.6871

                           jdelnegro@dom.edu

 

Office Hours:   Thursdays, 4-5

                          Wednesdays, 4-5

                           Other hours by appointment

 

LIS 701 is 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 topic intellectual property (copyright), access, confidentiality of records, intellectual freedom and censorship; and of current professional issues.

 

This course aims to build reflective practitioners capable of:

o       Articulating and applying a philosophy of service that incorporates an awareness of the legacy of libraries and information centers within our culture;

o       Promoting the professional values of ethical responsibilities, intellectual freedom and universal access to information;

o       Identifying and analyzing information needs and opportunities of individuals and organizations, both within the traditional information service areas as well as the broader information sector.

 

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

o       demonstrate an understanding of information infrastructure and information policy

o       demonstrate an understanding of where libraries fit in the developing information infrastructure

o       demonstrate an understanding of the similarities/differences in the purposes, functions and processes, users, collections, and evaluation of academic, public, school, special libraries and information centers

o       describe the history and trends of libraries and information centers, books and other media, publishing, and information technology

o       demonstrate a knowledge of the principles and basic elements of the collection development process with an understanding of how the growth of information in electronic formats is changing the way librarians develop collections for users

o       demonstrate an understanding of intellectual property, access, confidentiality of records, intellectual freedom, and censorship, along with other relevant current legal and ethical topics

o       -discuss major professional current issues

o       articulate an initial philosophy of library/information science

 

Required Texts:

 

o       Rubin, Richard E. Foundations of Library and Information Science.  New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.

o       The Cluetrain Manifesto, 1-95 at http://www.cluetrain.com/#manifesto

o       One context book; see separate sheet for titles

o       Additional readings as noted in course schedule

 

 

Grading

 

Class participation is worth 25% of your grade.

 

Infrequent class participation will substantially lower your overall grade.

 

All assignments must be turned in by the due date in order to receive full credit.  Due dates are not flexible unless an agreement is made with the professor at least 24 hours in advance of class time on the due date.  Emergencies will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

 

Grades for written assignments are based on clarity of writing, comprehensive attention to both the topic and the assignment requirements, quality of work, and visible demonstration of effort. 

 

Oral presentations are graded on the speaker’s ability to connect with the audience, organization of information, use of language, fluency, volume, use of visual aids, and adherence to time limits. 

 

Professional, grammatically correct writing is expected.  To state this requirement plainly, spelling, punctuation, and grammar count.  If this is a problem, find someone whose skills you trust to proofread your written work, or go to the Academic Resource Center (Lower Level, Parmer Hall, 708/524-6682) for assistance.  Please remember that spell-check is fallible.

 

For a refresher course on grammar and punctuation, see:

 

Strunk, Jr., William. The Elements of Style. FQ Classics, 2007.  (The fourth edition will do as well.)

 

 

Academic Honesty and Integrity

 

"All students of the GSLIS are expected to observe high standards of academic honesty and integrity. Any student whose conduct violates such standards may be subject to disciplinary action as determined by due process." (GSLIS Bulletin, p. 48)

 

Plagiarism is unethical and unprofessional and will result in project failure.  Each student is responsible for understanding what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.  See Purdue University's "Avoiding Plagiarism," http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html or Indiana University's "How to Recognize Plagiarism", http://education.indiana.edu/~istd/test.html if you are unsure about what is and what is not considered acceptable behavior when using other people's words and ideas.

 

 

GSLIS GRADING POLICY (Effective 12/15/2004)

 

Please note:  According to the GSLIS Grading Policy, the grade for “good, solid work” that “demonstrates strong comprehension of the course materials” is a B+, not an A.  Please see the policy that follows for additional clarification.

 

The faculty of GSLIS Dominican uses the following guidelines when grading.

 

Grade

Numeric

Equivalent

 

Definition

 

A

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-

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+

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

3.0

Satisfactory acceptable work.  Student performance meets designated course expectations, demonstrates understanding of the course materials and performs at an acceptable level.

 

B-

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+

2.33

Unsatisfactory work.  Student performance demonstrates  unsatisfactory understanding of course materials and inability to meet course requirements.

 

C

2.0

Unacceptable work.  Student performance demonstrates incomplete and inadequate understanding of course materials.

 

C-

1.67

Poor work.

 

F

0.0

Failing grade.

 

 

Blackboard Accounts

 

An online Blackboard will be set up for our class. You will need to establish a Blackboard login.  Bulletin board postings will be done on Blackboard, and will count toward your class participation grade.  All assignments will be posted as well.  It is your responsibility to check Blackboard routinely for any announcements, clarification of assignments, and general discussions.  Participation on Blackboard will count towards your class participation grade.

 

Format for Written Assignments

 

  • All citations must be formatted according to MLA guidelines.
  • Written work must be double-spaced with 1 or 1.5 inch margins and no less than 12 point type.  Exception to 12 point rule: please include your name in 10 point type in the footer of all written assignments.
  • No title page is required. Your name, the class number (LIS 701 02), and the name of the assignment must be single-spaced on the upper left hand corner of your written assignments. 

 

Assignments

 

Class Participation, Book Discussion, & Discussion Assignments:  Attend every class and participate in discussions. You are expected to have read the assigned material and to come to class prepared to discuss and critique these readings. In addition, you will receive materials in class and online for discussion and reflection. We will use Blackboard for further discussion and postings. Please feel free to bring additional literature to the attention of the class. Infrequent class participation will substantially lower your overall grade.  25 %

 

Issue Papers:  Throughout the course, the class discussions will cover numerous professional issues and debates. You will need to complete three issue papers that will be based on these discussions. Each issue paper should be a three-page, double-spaced typed paper that sharply focuses on the topic. Your well thought-out, critical opinions, not those of others, are what count. Citations from the literature should be included supporting your ideas and opinions. Please see the course schedule for due dates. 30 % (10 % each)

 

Subject Bibliography: For this assignment, you will need to use review sources to develop a subject bibliography of 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 for additional information and evaluation criteria.  See course schedule for due date. 15%

Group Presentations: Library History Group Presentation. For this assignment, you will need to prepare a group presentation (20 minutes) about a specific period of worldwide library history with 2 other students to be presented to the class. In addition, you will need to write an individual short paper (2-3 pages, double-spaced) that summarizes the key events and/or developments of your designated history period.  A handout delineating the specific assignment guidelines and evaluation criteria will be provided.  See course schedule for due date; your paper is due the evening of your presentation. 15%

Research Paper:  Prepare a paper that focuses on a significant professional issue/topic and its influence on a specific type of library, media center, museum, or information agency that interests you. Your paper (8 pages, double-spaced) must be based on a literature review of the issue or topic.  The paper must analyze and discuss the influence of the topic/issue on the development and direction of the type of library or information center/agency.  Refer to the assignment guidelines for additional information and evaluation criteria. See course schedule for due date.  15%

 

 

Class Schedule

 

January 10: Introduction

Introduction to course, readings, activities and requirements.

 

January 17: Foundations & History

Introduction to Rebecca Crown Library Resources

  • Read for January 17:

Buckland, Michael. “What Is a Document?” Journal of the American Society for Information Science, 48.9, 804-809

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgibin/abstract/39756/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Bush, Vannevar. “As We May Think.” Atlantic Monthly, July, 1945.

http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/194507/bush

Keller, Michael A., Victoria A. Reich, and Andrew C. Herkovic. “What Is a Library Anymore, Anyway?:First Monday. 

http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue8_5/keller/

Rubin, Ch. 7: “From Past to Present: The Library’s Mission and Its Values.”

Zandonade, Tarcisio.“Social Epistemolgy from Jesse Shura to Steve Fuller.” Library Trends, Mar 22, 2004.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Social+epistemology+from+Jesse+Shera+to+Steve+Fuller-a0125151311

 

January 24: Information Infrastructure

Foundations and History continued; Information Infrastructure

  • Read for January 24:

Rubin, Ch. 1: “The Information Infrastructure.”

Buckland, Michael. “Information as Thing.” Journal of the American Society of Information Science 42:5(1991): 351-360 (reprint)

http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu/~buckland/thing.html

Due: Issue Paper 1: The L Word

 

January 31: LIS: A Service Perspective

  • Read for January 31:

Rubin, Ch. 2: “Information Science: A Service Perspective.”

Chatman, Elfreda A. “The Impoverished Life-World of Outsiders.” Journal of the American Society for Information Science (47) 1996: 193-206. 

Dury, John. “The Reformed Librarian” (1650)

http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/5/1/9/15199/15199.htm

Equity Access ALA Action No. 5

http://www.ala.org/ala/ourassociation/governingdocs/keyactionareas/equityaction/equitybrochure.htm

Equity of Access: Igniting a Passion for Change

http://www.webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=5507

Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy

http://www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclaissues/libraryservices.cfm

 

February 7:  Technology

  • Read for February 7:

Rubin, Ch. 3: “Redefining the Library: Impacts and Implications of Technological Change”

Farb, Sharon. “Libraries, Licensing and the Challenge of Stewardship.” First Monday volume 11, number 7 (July 2006),.

 http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue11_7/farb/index.html

Roush, Wade. “The Infinite Library: Does Google’s Plan to Digitize Millions of Print Books Spell the Death of Libraries; or their Rebirth? MIT Technology Review, 2005.

http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/14408/

Houghton, Sarah. “Imagine No Restrictions: Digital Rights Management.” School Library Journal June 6 2007.

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6448189.html 

 

February 14: Information Organization & Collection Development

Read for February 14:

Rubin: Ch. 6: “Information Organization: Issues and Techniques”

Giles, J. (2005, 2006). “Internet Encyclopaedias Go Head to Head.” Nature 438(7070): 900-901. (Access through library databases.)

“Two Days Without Dewey” (June13, 2007) http://lisnews.org/node/21300/

Wingett, Yvonne.“Gilbert Library to be First to Drop Dewey Decimal.” The Arizona Republic,

May. 30, 2007.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0530nodewey0530.html

Asheim, Lester. “Not Censorship but Selection”

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/basics/notcensorship.htm

Collection Development Policies

http://www.lib.az.us/cdt/colldev.htm

Internet Library for Librarians: Acquisitions, Serials, and Collection Development http://www.itcompany.com/inforetriever

Sample form:

http://lis701.files.wordpress.com/2007/06/sjcpl-reconsideration-form.pdf

Due: Issue Paper:  Collection Building OR Future of the Book)

 

February 21: Library as Institution; Types of Libraries

Read for February 21:

Rubin, Ch. 9: “The Library as Institution: An Organizational View”

Goldberger, P. “High Tech Bibliophilia” The New Yorker, May 24, 2004.

Wiegand, W.A. “Library as Place” North Carolina Libraries (Online) 63(3/4 2005) 76-81.

Due: Issue Paper: Library as Place OR Digitization

 

February 28:  Professional Values & Ethics

Read for February 28:

Rubin, Ch. 8: “Ethics and Standards: Professional Practices in Library and Information Science”

Code of Ethics of the American Library Association

http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/statementspols/codeofethics/codeethics.htm

Berry, John N. “Blatant Berry: Brave New World Wide Web.” Library Journal, 5/15/2007.

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6440566.html

Wengert, R. (2001). “Some Ethical Aspects of Being an Information Professional.” Library Trends 49(3): 486-509.

http://www.librarian.net/technicality.html

 

SPRING BREAK (Hooray!

 

March 13:  Copyright & Intellectual Freedom

Read for March 13:

“Who Should Own Ideas? Courts and Legislatures Should Preserve Copyright — But Carefully.” Technology Review (June 2005). http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=14529&ch=infotech)
Lessig, Lawrence. “The People Own Ideas! Do We Want Music, Software, and Books to be Free — Or Not?” Technology Review (June 2005).

http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=14505&ch=infotech)
Epstein, Richard. “The Creators Own Ideas: Contrary to What Lawrence Lessig Says, a Truly Free Society Allows for Proprietary Systems.” Technology Review (June 2005). http://www.technologyreview.com/read_article.aspx?id=16353)

WebWork:

Creative Commons

Creative Commons licenses provide a flexible range of protections and freedoms for authors, artists, and educators. We have built upon the “all rights reserved” concept of traditional copyright to offer a voluntary “some rights reserved” approach. We’re a nonprofit organization. All of our tools are free.

Fair Use of Copyrighted Materials

Includes three questions to decide whether you need permission to use a copyrighted work.

Due: Subject Bibliography

 

Easter Break

 

March 27: Prep Night for Partnership Projects

 

April 3:: Context Book Discussion

Read for April 3:  Context Book

 

April 10:  Information Policy and Stakeholders and Libraries; Associations & Conferences

Read for April 10:

Rubin, Ch. 4: “Information Policy–Stakeholders and Agendas.”

Rubin, Ch. 5: “Information Policy as Library Policy: Stakeholders and Agendas.”

What You Should Know About the USA PATRIOT Act (brochure) (Permission to reproduce this document for this noncommercial use is noted on the back of the brochure.)

Library Bill of Rights - ALA

Auld, S. (2005). “Filtering Materials on the Internet Does Not Contradict the Value of Open Access to Material.” Public Libraries 44.4(2005): 196-198.

Kranich, N. “Filtering Materials on the Internet Contradicts the Value of Open Access to Material.” Public Libraries 44.4(2005): 198-200.

Kranich, N. “ALA and Political Action: Ensuring the Public’s Right to Know in the Digital Age.” Argus 33.3(2004):17-23.

 

April 17: Group Presentations

 

April 24: Library 2.0/Trendspotting

Read for April 24:

Rubin, Ch. 10: “Librarianship–An Evolving Profession.”

Mullins, James L., Frank R. Allen, and Jon R. Hufford. “Top Ten Assumptions for the Future of Academic Libraries and Librarians (ACRL Report).” C&RL News, April 2007, Vol. 68, No. 4.

http://www.acrl.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crlnews/backissues2007/april07/tenassumptions.cfm

Casey, Michael E. and Laura C. Savastinuk. “Library 2.0: Service for the Next Generation Library.”  Library Journal September 1, 2006

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6365200.html

 

May 1: Discussion of Final Papers

Course Evaluations

Final papers due