Preliminary and final course syllabi will be posted to D2L. The preliminary syllabus will be posted on May 19, 2008 and the final syllabus will be posted by June 9, 2008.
Please note that this is a web-based Distance-learning course
Official Course Description Introduction to the theories and practices that are used in the organization of information. Overview of national and international standards and practices for access to information in collections.
Specific Course Description This course will cover the history, theories and practices in the organization of recorded information, primarily in traditional libraries and the emerging digital environment. This is an introductory course that will focus on the standards and tools used in the library science field, although we will also look at emerging standards and tools in the achieves and museum fields. We will be using the D2L (Desire to Learn) learning support system. All course related materials will be found there. Log on D2L at http://d2l.arizona.edu using your UA username and password. The website also contains D2L tutorials that you may consult to familiarize yourself with the software. Further D2L help can be found at d2l@email.arizona.edu or (520) 626-6804.
Goal and Objectives
The main goal of this course is to become familiar with the concepts and practices of bibliographic and non-bibliographic information organization. By the end of the course, students will be able to:
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Understand the existing and new challenges involved in the organization of information
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Describe the main theories in information organization and define a number of approaches that have been used to organize information in different settings and for different purposes
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Articulate the similarities and differences between the concepts of categorization, classification, and subject analysis and their application in thesaurus, ontologies, authority control, subject headings, and library classification schemes
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Demonstrate basic skills in subject analysis and controlled vocabularies
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Demonstrate basic skills and knowledge of at least two metadata standards
1. Taylor, Arlene. The Organization of Information, 2nd ed., Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, c2004. ISBN:1-56308-969-6 (pbk.)
2. Other course readings as assigned. Each week additional readings (maximum two) will be assigned to supplement readings from Taylor. These readings will either be posted as PDFs via D2L or accessible from web or the UA’s Main Library. The final exam will cover all materials that are assigned.
Students are required to complete all the assigned readings. Students are required to participate in weekly discussions on D2L. A discussion question will be posted each week. To receive the full participation score, students need not only be on time in the D2L discussions, but also provide insightful and constructive comments. The instructor will monitor and contribute to the discussions as it will be the common forum for participation.
Students are required to complete three assignments:
1. Metadata Schemas and Encoding Standards
2. Metadata Crosswalk
3. Categorization and Classification
Students are required to complete one final exam, which will cover the reading materials assigned in the class. The final will be administered via D2L and due on the date and time indicated in D2L.
Academic Code of Integrity
Students are expected to abide by The University of Arizona Code of Academic Integrity. 'The guiding principle of academic integrity is that a student's submitted work must be the student's own.' If you have any questions regarding what is acceptable practice under this Code, please ask an Instructor.
Accommodating Disabilities
The University has a Disability Resource Center. If you anticipate the need for reasonable accommodations to meet the requirements of this course, you must register with the Disability Resource Center and request that the DRC send me, the Instructor, official notification of your accommodation needs as soon as possible. Please plan to meet with me by appointment or during office hours to discuss accommodations and how my course requirements and activities may impact your ability to fully participate.Assignment Policies
Assigned readings must be done prior to or during the week assigned. All work must be turned in on the dates due by the time indicated in D2L for the assignment. Late work without prior notice and approval from the instructor will receive 5% deduction for each late day. Assignments late for 5 days will not be marked unless the instructor grants an extension. All work must be turned in using D2L. Do not submit your work outside of D2L.Use only D2L email to correspond to the instructor at mhelm@d2l.arizona.edu
INCOMPLETES
The current Catalog reads
The grade of I may be awarded only at the end of a term, when all but a minor portion of the course work has been satisfactorily completed. The grade of I is not to be awarded in place of a failing grade or when the student is expected to repeat the course; in such a case, a grade other than I must be assigned. Students should make arrangements with the instructor to receive an incomplete grade before the end of the term ...
If the incomplete is not removed by the instructor within one year the I grade will revert to a failing grade.
Grade Breakdown
1. Assignments (60%); Each 20%
2. Final Exam (25%)
3. Participation (15%)
Assignment of Course Grades
A = 90+ (Superior work)
B = 80-89 (Very good)
C = 70-79 (Satisfactory)
D = 60-69 (Below satisfactory)E = 0-60 (Failed to meet requirements)
Contact:
Email: mhelm@d2l.arizona.edu
Arizona State Museum Library
1013 E. University Blvd
Tucson, AZ 85721-0026
Office: (520) 621-4695
Instructor Hrs: By appointment
