School of Library and Information Science
21:122 Organization of Information Resources I
Summer 2004
Gregory Cotton, instructor
School of Library and Information Science
21:122 Organization of Information Resources
I
Summer 2004
Gregory Cotton, instructor
Office: 3068 Main Library
Phone: 895-4454 (Cornell), 337-6034 (home)
E-mail: GCotton@cornellcollege.edu
Course web page: http://www.uiowa.edu/~libsci/faculty/cotton/122-home.htm
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
- Discuss orally or in writing the history, role and function of catalogs as communication devices
- Demonstrate competence in exploiting the resources of library catalogs
- Interpret the information contained in a bibliographic description of print or non-print materials when evaluating information or retrieving such materials
- Interpret the classification and subject description of print and non-print materials for evaluation or retrieval
Additionally, with minimal guidance and hand holding, the student will be able to:
- Construct a bibliographic description, either manually or through computer protocols, according to the standards of AACR2
- Provide classification and verbal subject access to print and non-print materials according to the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Library of Congress Classification (LCC), Sears List of Subject Headings (Sears), and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
Finally, the course will serve as the basis for the student to be able to:
- Exercise judgment in using and interpreting catalogs and the output of bibliographic utilities, in setting up and applying standards of authority control, and in developing modifications in systems or records appropriate to local situations
- Apply the principles of organizing and describing materials in libraries by participating in the ongoing processes and functions of a cataloging or technical services department, or by exploiting the output and services of that department in other areas of librarianship
- Realize that cataloging is not just for nerds
Course scope
While the major emphasis of the course will be on the organization of information of print materials, especially monographs, there will be attention paid to the principles and problems associated with non-book materials. The course will deal with the tools listed above, with emphasis on DDC and Sears.
General policies
The final grade is dependent upon the completion and submission of all readings, assignments and tests; failure to complete and submit all assignments will result in a failing grade for the course. It is further expected that all work will be submitted on time. Failure to do so without prior arrangement will adversely affect the final grade.
I must hear from anyone who has a disability which may require some modification of seating, testing, or other class requirements so that appropraite arrangements may be made. Please see me after class or during my office hours.
Course design
The course will consist of scheduled lectures and lab session. Student should prepare for the lectures by reading the appropriate sections in Chan or other sources.
Student should also be aware of the value of the lab sessions. Cataloging is NOT a spectator sport!! There is no substitute for handling the tools and going through the processes. At least one lab exercise in each unit will be graded; students are, however, expected to complete every assigned exercise. The non-graded labs will be periodically checked for completion.
Performance evaluations (i.e., grades) will be based upon three tests, the graded exercises, and peformance in the lab portion of the course. Please note that NO make-up work will be offered, and that a grade of F will be issued unless all assigned work is completed. Unexcused (i.e., if the instructor does not know before the due date) work will be graded on 90 points instead of 100. Weighting of the above elements will be as follows:
3 tests @ 20% 60%
Graded exercises 35%
Lab experience 5%
Readings
It is important that the student be aware of the issues and trends in cataloging and cataloging practice. It is expected that the student shall prepare for class be reading appropriate sections of the textbook. Additionally, the student will be expected to read no fewer than three articles, books, or chapters from books pertaining to the topic(s) in each of the three major units of the course, for a minimum of nine items. For each reading, students are expected to write a abstract.. A basic format would be a paragraph of summarization and a second paragraph of reaction to the reading. The abstracts for each unit should be submitted prior to the examination for that unit.
Each abstract should be headed with a standard bibliographical citation for the article, book, or chapter. Select a style manual such as Turabian or the Chicago Manual of Style, and use it correctly and consistently. Be sure to put your name and e-mail address on each abstract.
Please be advised that you are the ultimate beneficiary of these readings. Your written reports will be useful when preparing for the tests for this course and for your comprehensive exams. Bear this in mind when selecting your readings. As a word of personal advice, don't wait until the last minute to do the readings--you will learn far more if you work at them gradually.
The readings will be judged satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Satisfactory readings will include bibliographic accuracy, precision and completeness of the abstract, and, most important, evidence of interpretation. Unsatisfactory readings will be returned for re-working.