LIS 701.51: Introduction to Library and Information Science
Spring 2008
Wednesday nights
Downtown Chicago: Chicago Public Library Harold Washington Center
5th Floor Computer Classroom
Michael Stephens, Assistant Professor
Graduate School of Library and Information Science
Dominican University
Contact Information: (708) 524-6603 / mstephens@dom.edu / AIM: mstephens7mac
Office hours: Wednesdays, 3:45-5:15, Location to be Announced
Main Course Web Site: http://lis701.wordpress.com
Discussion Blog for this Section: http://lis701spring2008.wordpress.com/
Course Overview (Bulletin Description)
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.
The course is divided into modules by topic. All required and optional readings will be listed on the course website under the appropriate module. To prepare for a class, use the schedule on this syllabus, see what modules will be covered that week and complete the appropriate readings.
The following textbook is required. You can purchase it in the Stepan Bookstore or online from a bookseller of your choice (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.):
Rubin, Richard E. Foundations of Library and Information Science New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.
Students will also read selected chapters of The Cluetrain Manifesto, but the necessary text is available for free online.
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 also have a discussion blog for further dialogue. You are always encouraged to bring additional literature to the attention of the class. 25 points
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 some of 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 I want. Citations from the literature should be included supporting your ideas and opinions. Issue papers will be due according to the schedule distributed in class. See schedule for due dates. 30 points
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. See schedule for due date. 15 points
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 3-4 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. The presentations will be scheduled on April 16 & 23rd, and your paper is due the evening of the 16th. 15 points
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 center/agency that interests you. Your paper (6-8 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. See schedule for due date. 15 points
All assignments will be due at the beginning of the class period. Late assignments will receive a 1 point reduction in grade for each day late. All written work should be clear and error free. Writing style counts for this class!
"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 unacceptable and will result in assignment failure.
See Purdue University's "Avoiding Plagiarism" at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_plagiar.html, Georgetown University's "What is Plagiarism," at http://www.georgetown.edu/honor/plagiarism.html, or Indiana University's "Plagiarism: What It Is and How To Recognize and Avoid It" at http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml if you feel unsure about what is and is not considered acceptable behavior when using other people's words and ideas.
|
Week |
Date |
Module(s): See website for readings! |
Assignment Due |
|
1 |
January 16 |
Introductions, Review of Syllabus, Expectations, Assignments, etc.
|
|
|
2 |
January 23 |
Mod A: Foundations & History Crown Library Resources
|
Issue Paper #1 Due (“L Word”) |
|
3 |
January 30 |
Mod B: Information Infrastructure Mod C: Service Perspective
|
|
|
4 |
February 6
|
Mod D: Technology Lab: RSS Aggregators
|
Issue Paper #2 Due (Choice) |
|
5 |
February 13 |
Mod E: Information Organization Mod F: Collection Development
|
|
|
6 |
February 20 |
Mod G: Library as Institution Mod H: Types of Libraries
|
Issue Paper #3 Due (Choice) |
|
7 |
February 27 |
ONLINE: Perceptions of Libraries
|
|
|
SB |
March 5
|
SPRING BREAK
|
|
|
8 |
March 12
|
ONLINE: Associations & Conferences
|
|
|
9 |
March 19
|
Mod I: Professional Values & Ethics
|
Subject Bibliography Due |
|
10 |
March 26
|
Mod K: Copyright Mod L: Intellectual Freedom
|
|
|
11 |
April 2 |
Mod M: Information Policy
|
|
|
12 |
April 9
|
Group Presentations
|
History Paper Due |
|
13 |
April 16
|
Group Presentations Mod N: Trendspotting
|
|
|
14 |
April 23
|
Context Book Discussions
|
Final Paper Due |
|
15
|
April 30 |
Mod O: Library 2.0/Library Futures Mod P: MLIS Program/Job
|
|