Dominican University
                                Graduate School of Library and Information Science
 
 

LS 737 Online Library Systems,                        prepared by G. Koh
 
 
 

 


 


Course Description:
 

  Fundamentals of library automation, with a central emphasis on the design, development, management and uses of the OPACs in the context of integrated library systems. Studies selection, evaluation and use of computer based systems for acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, serials control and other library processes. Focuses on managerial issues, including evaluation of automated systems, system migration, RFPs, local system design, authority control, standards, and protocols.   Prerequisite: 703.  
Course Goal and Overview:   This course will introduce the applications of information technology in various library archival and information center settings. The introduction is attempted by exploring how computer and other information technologies help librarians/ information managers in the traditional aims of acquiring, preserving, structuring and retrieving information, including new patterns and methods for the changed aims of the traditional functions, if any. The course covers the following units:   I. The information environment and technologies, including Internet. This unit will address how the introduction of sophisticae reading material that relates to their professional interests and must be prepared to contribute information from these readings to class discussions. Students are expected to actively participate in these discussions and must be able to summarize previous class material, contribute new and topical items and to describe developments in their areas of interest. II. Library automation systems. This unit will examine the concept and functionalities of an integrated system, including the structure and format of automated database systems. Understanding the system requirements of OPACs in terms of RFP, as the central focus of automation systems, will be discussed. Functionalities of available automation systems will be presented. III. Library automation implementation issues. The unit will study how automated systems are used in library settings. Management isssues of selection, implementation, evaluation and use of computer based systems for acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, serials control and other library processes will be discussed. IV. Human resources. The unit will examine the financial and social costs of automation, including training issues. Future considerations on the role of the library and librarians in an automated and networked world will be discussed.
Course Objectives: Students will be able to   l. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and skills of searching, identifying, analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating search results, including catalog records, in an online computer network environment.

2. Describe the importance of standardization for online library operations, by examining the role of MARC, Z39.50 and other standardizing tools, as they are applied in various online information systems investigated.

3. Discuss the design, development, selection, evaluation, management and uses of the OPACs in the context of integrated library systems by defining and by studying common variables of information needs and by isolating unique information variables.

4. Describe and critique the various computer based systems for acquisitions, cataloging, document delivery, circulation, serials control and other library processes by developing professional tools and criteria to the system selection, evaluation, management and use.

5. Analyze and suggest appropriate approaches to managerial and administrative issues concerning the implementation of computer based local systems and their interface with bibliographic utilities, focusing on their impact on internal operations and human factors.

6. Effectively demonstrate an awareness of the important changing role of librarians and libraries, including the concepts of the library information networks and of networking as in the Internet.
 
 
 
 
Course Structure and Methodology: The conceptual foundations and major issues and opportunities presented by modern information technologies will be described in the lectures and discussed along with course readings. Specific computer operations will also be demonstrated and presented when possible. In addition to readings, lectures, papers, presentations, and exams, a number of exercises and of visits/tours will be described for completion outside of class. Your varied background and interests are extremely important. Any student with an unusual background and/or professional interest may request special project work in lieu of the standard assignments. Changes from the course outline are possible due to class interest or experience.

Each student is responsible for reading all assigned texts; all exercises will be graded in the same manner as other assignments. Students should also plan on choosing outside reading material that relates to their professional interests and must be prepared to contribute information from these readings to class discussions.  Students are expected to actively participate in these discussions and must be able to summarize previous class material, contribute new and topical items and to describe developments in their areas of interest.
 
 

  
Textbooks:   The required texts for this course is: The Library Administrator's Automation Handbook, by Richard Boss (Information Today, c1997).   The Whole Internet, by Ed Krol. (O' Reiley, 1997), or any recent book on the Internet.   The following works may be useful as reference works, but not required: Introduction to the Use of Computers in Libraries, by Harold C. Ogg (Information Today, 1997).   Design of Library Automation Systems, by Michael D. Cooper (Wiley, 1996).   Library Information Technology and Networks, by Audrey N. Grosch (Dekker, c1995)


Expectations and Grades: (Please consult the class handouts)  
Partial Class Lectures:  (These are available, as needed by the class.)
Students' Projects: (These are available later in the semester.)