REQUIREMENTS

 

Text and Readings

 

Rubin, Richard.  Foundations of Library and Information Science.  2nd Edition.  New York:  Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2004.

 

In addition, you will need to read one book from a selected list of approximately six books about social, cultural, economic, political and historical issues.

 

Other assigned readings will include journal articles and Internet resources.  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/.

 

Course Assignments and Required Work

 

  1. Attend every class and participate in discussions.  You are expected to have 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.

 

Issue Papers:  Throughout the semester, the class discussions will cover numerous professional issues and debates.  You will need to complete three (out of a possible five to seven) 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.  Your well thought-out, critical opinions – not those of others – are what I want.  Each issue paper is due at the class session that immediately follows the issue-based discussion.

 

2.  Subject Bibliography:  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 for additional information and evaluation criteria.  The assignment is due October 1.

 

  1. Research and Analysis 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 center/agency that interests you.  Your paper (8 pages, double-spaced) should be based on a literature review of the issue or topic, and it should 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.  Your paper is due on November 19.

 

  1. Library History and Development Paper:  In preparation for a Blackboard discussion during the week of October 15, you will need to select a library history topic from a list provided to the class, prepare a short paper (4-5 pages, double-spaced) about the topic, and post it to the Blackboard Discussion Board.  A handout delineating the specific assignment guidelines and evaluation criteria will be provided.

 

5.   Association Presentation:  Deliver a brief presentation that introduces the class members to an   association that is of interest to librarians/information professionals.  The presentation should be 8-10 minutes in length.  Refer to the assignment guidelines distributed in class for additional information and the evaluation criteria.  A sign-up sheet for presentation dates scheduled throughout the semester will be available at our second class session.

 

6.   Complete a final exam on December 10.

 

 

Grading

 

Grades will be determined as follows:

 

                  Class participation and three issue papers:  30%

                  Subject Bibliography:  15%

                  Research/Analysis Paper:  15%

                  Library History Presentation Paper/Postings: 15%

                  Association Presentation:  10%

                  Final exam:  15%

 

Note regarding late assignments:  Assignments are due at the beginning of the class session on the date indicated.  The grade on an assignment will be lowered one full grade per week when the assignment is received after the date due.  For example, an A quality paper due on October 1 would receive a B if turned in between October 2 and October 8, and it would receive a C if turned in between

October 9 and October 15.  Issue papers cannot be turned in after the due date.

 

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. 23)  Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in project failure.  See Purdue University's "Avoiding Plagiarism" at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html or Indiana University's "How to Recognize Plagiarism" at http://www.indiana.edu/~istd/ if you feel unsure about what is and is not considered acceptable behavior when using other people's words and ideas.