Introduction to Information Science and Technology
LIS 670 Course Syllabus
Fall 2011
LIS 670 Course Syllabus
Fall 2011
A survey of topics in information science and technology. Lectures and discussions emphasize practice, problems, and theory relating to information storage, retrieval, and dissemination provision technology in libraries and information centers.
There is no prerequisite for this course.
Students will be introduced to a variety of research methods utilized in user studies. This knowledge is given practical application through the creation by each student of a Recommendation for a User Study in response to a given scenario.
This introductory survey course addresses the objectives of the LIS Program, enabling students to:
| 1a. | Apply LIS theory and principles to diverse information contexts. |
| 1c. | Develop and apply critical thinking skills in preparation for professional practice. |
| 2b. | Work effectively in teams. |
| 3a. | Demonstrate understanding of the processes by which information is created, evaluated, and disseminated. |
| 3b. | Organize, create, archive, and manage collections of information resources following professional standards. |
| 3c. | Search, retrieve and synthesize information from a variety of systems and sources. |
| 4a. | Evaluate systems and technologies in terms of quality, functionality, cost-effectiveness and adherence to professional standards. |
| 4b. | Integrate emerging technologies into professional practice. |
This is an introductory course which provides a basic preparation for more advanced courses in such areas as online/CD-ROM information retrieval systems, library automation, abstracting/indexing, database design and creation, systems analysis, and information and records management. Through these advanced courses the student develops skills in the use, evaluation, and selection of information storage and retrieval systems, as well as some of the tools for their creation. In this course the student will gain a very basic understanding of theory and practice in information retrieval systems past and present; selected theories and research methodologies relating to information-seeking behavior; an introduction to computer and computer networking hardware, operating systems, and selected applications; and how to select, organize, and prepare materials for presentation in the World Wide Web environment.
In this course the emphasis is on exploration of technologies currently in use or of potential future use in library or other information management settings. New technologies necessitate formulation of new policies for their usage. Thus, information policy—including ethical, political, and financial issues—regarding utilization of technology in information provision will also be discussed. Students are encouraged to give expression to their thoughts concerning the employment of these new technologies in the library. My hope is that this course will not only familiarize students with the technological tools of the library today but will enable them to be innovators in the formulation of new ways to provide information to both traditional and nontraditional patrons of information services.
Lectures are used to introduce students to the underlying theoretical issues of information storage and retrieval. Guest speakers bring to the course expertise in a variety of fields. Independent exercises and a group project provide hands-on experience. Discussion sessions allow students to share knowledge and insights gained from their readings.
Selected readings from books and articles will be assigned. Some of the readings will be accessed via the World Wide Web. Materials that are designated as e reserve can be accessed via the Hawaii Voyager Library Catalog Web page. Select Reserves and search on LIS 670.
| 99-100 (outstanding work) = A+ | 92-98 = A | 90-91 = A- |
| 89 = B+ | 82-88 = B | 80-81 = B- |
| 79 = C+ | 72-78 = C | 70-71 = C- |
| 69 = D+ | 62-68 = D | 60-61 = D- |
This course requires use of an Internet-connected computer with a standard Web browser such as Mozilla Firefox, Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat reader (available free of charge from http://www.adobe.com) and a word processor. Students will be required to view (and listen to) Powerpoint presentations, complete exercises and written assignments, participate in online discussions, create a World Wide Web portal, view pdf documents, and access Internet sites. Internet-connected PCs and Macs are available in UH computer labs but you must supply your own paper to print. In addition, most medium- and large-sized public and academic libraries provide access to the Web for their patrons. Students who utilize public-access computers are urged to purchase their own headphones for reasons of privacy and hygiene.
Each student will be required to use SSH software. Instructions for downloading and using this encryption program will be given during the course.
You will also be required to obtain and use a UHUNIX e-mail account (free to UH students). Information about obtaining a UHUNIX account is available at the UH website.
If you are a new student you are urged to consult the UH Web page entitled "Getting Started with Information Technology at the University of Hawaii" to obtain information about your UH username, connecting to UH, accessing your e-mail, and training resources offered through the University of Hawai`i. Point your browser to: http://www.hawaii.edu/infotech/newusers.html.
LIS students at the University of Hawai`i are required to observe rigorous standards regarding intellectual and personal honesty. Please review these standards, available online at:
http://www.hawaii.edu/lis/students.php?page=profexp
In the scholarly world we acknowledge the fact that our contributions to knowledge build upon the contributions of others. We do this by citing the works from which we have drawn ideas, data, or text. In this class citations are required.
You may use the author-date method (preferred), footnotes, or endnotes. Please remember that you must cite and you must do so in a consistent manner.
If you use the wording of another author (even if the author is anonymous) you must either put the text between quotation marks or indent and single-space the material. The quoted text must be followed immediately by the author, date, and page number (author/date method) or footnote or endnote number.
Two style manuals frequently used in the discipline of Library and Information Science are Turabian and The Chicago Manual of Style:
| Session Number |
Date | Topic(s) | Readings and Assignments Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8/22/11 |
Getting to know
you; Introduction to the course; Discussion: What is information? Shannon and Weaver |
|
| 2 | 8/29/11 | Discussion:
Vannevar Bush; Introduction to UNIX; Introduction to SSH |
|
| 3 |
9/12/11 | Introduction to HTML |
|
| 4 | 9/19/11 | Discussion: Filtering software; Situational relevance exercise (new date); Explanation of Web portal assignment (new date) |
|
| 5 | 9/26/11 |
User studies (new date); Technology for persons with disabilities; Relevance, precision, and recall |
|
| 6 | 10/3/11 | Web workshop; Discussion of final paper and presentation; Video: The machine that changed the world, Part I: Giant Brains |
|
| 7 | 10/10/11 | Guest speaker: Dr. Jacsó on Citation-enhanced databases--the good, the bad, and the ugly (and the dysfunctional) |
|
| 8 | 10/17/11 | Guest speaker: Arnold Laanui on Network security |
|
| 9 | 10/24/11 | Introduction to networks; Formation of catalog evaluation teams; Boolean, bibliometrics, and beyond |
|
| 10 | 10/31/11 | Guest speaker Dr. Quiroga on Information architecture; Indexing and abstracting; Searching by color exercise; Dissemination and access; Relational databases 
|
|
| 11 | 11/7/11 | Guest speaker: Dr. Larry Osborne on Hardware |
|
| 12 | 11/14/11 | Student presentations | |
| 13 | 11/21/11 | Student presentations |
|
| 14 | 11/28/11 | Student presentations |
|
| 15 | 12/5/11 | Student presentations |
|
If you need reasonable accommodations because of the impact of a disability, please:
Information about the Kokua Program is available online at: http://www.hawaii.edu/kokua/.