LIBR 200-16
Information and Society 
Fall 2011 Greensheet

Dr. Mark Stover
E-mail
Phone: (818) 677-2271
Office Hours: Email, phone appointments


Greensheet Links
Textbooks and Readings
Course Requirements
Resources
D2L
iSchool eBookstore
 

This course will be available on D2L on Wednesday, August 24. You will be enrolled into the site automatically. I will send more information about course access as we approach this date through MySJSU.

Course Description

Explores the complex and interrelated historical, social, economic, cultural, political, and technological influences that shape information and society. Emphasis is on the various roles and responsibilities of information organizations and the values and ethics of information professionals. 
Note: LIBR 200 must be completed with a B grade or higher

Course Objectives

At the completion of the course, students should be able to:

  • Describe the role of information from historical, current, and future perspectives;
  • Identify the various information stakeholders and the information environments that provide for their needs;
  • Describe and evaluate issues involved in creating and disseminating information in society;
  • Identify and discuss the major values and codes of ethics associated with the information professions;
  • Describe the impact of cultural diversity on the provision of user services by librarians and other information professionals;
  • Discuss important economic and policy issues related to the creation, dissemination and use of information;
  • Explain what information literacy is and how it helps users evaluate and use information;
  • Compare the different genres of and venues for scholarly and professional writing.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Know the foundations and structure of the information profession;
  • Locate, evaluate, and utilize scholarly and professional literature;
  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of major issues in library and information science.

LIBR 200 course supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:

  • Articulate the ethics, values and foundational principles of library and information professionals and their role in the promotion of intellectual freedom;
  • Compare the environments and organizational settings in which library and information professionals practice;
  • Recognize the social, cultural and economic dimensions of information use;
  • Understand the nature of research, research methods and research findings; retrieve, evaluate and synthesize scholarly and professional literature for informed decision-making by specific client groups;

An overview of the core competencies for SJSU SLIS graduates can be found at http://ischool.sjsu.edu/slis/competencies.htm

Course Requirements

Complete LIBR 203: Online Social Networking: Technology and Tools
This is a mandatory 1 unit course that introduces students to the various e-learning tools used in the SLIS program, including Elluminate and Second Life.  For more information, see http://ischool.sjsu.edu/classes/coursedesc.htm

Graduate Writing Requirement
This course satisfies the University graduate writing requirement.

If the instructor finds that a student's writing ability is unacceptable, the instructor will require the student to sign up for online writing tutoring. The student will ask the tutor to confirm with the instructor that the student is attending sessions.

Assignments
The assignments for this course are:

  • Review/Analysis of a Professional Journal
    Please review a professional journal related to library and information science. You can select any of the journals from Rubin's book (Appendix A) for review. You can also select a journal that is not on the list but related to library and information science. This review/analysis should be at least 600 words. Due date: October 3, 2011.
  • Review/Analysis of a Professional Association
    This assignment involves a written report about a library and information science association. You can select any of the associations from Rubin's book (Appendix B) or one that is related to library and information science. This review/analysis should be at least 600 words. Due date: October 24, 2011.
  • Article Critiques
    Students will be asked to write a formal critique of two peer reviewed articles from an LIS journal. Each critique should be between 350 and 500 words. Due date: November 7, 2011.
  • Reflective Essay
    Students will be asked to write a reflective essay on any topic covered in the syllabus. The essay should be a minimum of 600 words. Due date: November 14, 2011.
  • Research Paper
    Write a formal research paper in which you analyze a significant issue confronting the information professional today. Paper topics may be selected from the areas covered in class or you may choose an issue of more personal interest that is relevant to the goals and objectives of this course. The text of your paper should be 4000-8000 words in length; the reference list should include at least 20 citations. A bibliography is required of the sources both cited and consulted for background information and context. You will be graded on the extent of your research, your description and critical analysis of the topic, the evidence you provide in support of your argument, and the clarity and quality of your writing. Your references and formatting should adhere to the rules established in the APA Publication Manual. Due date: December 9, 2011.
  • Readings
    Each week there will be an online "lecture" provided by the instructor via D2L, readings from the textbook, and journal article readings regarding information and society.
  • Participation in Class and Discussion
    As this class is completely online and asynchronous, participation in the weekly D2L discussions is essential for success in the course. Each week several discussion questions based on the lectures, the textbook reading, and the other readings will be posted to the class discussion board. Each student will be expected to respond to at least three of these discussion questions and to participate in the discussion with other students in class.

More details on the assignments and due dates will be provided on D2L.

Assignment Grading
The assignments will contribute to your final grade as follows:

Reflective Essay 10%
Review of a Professional Journal 10%
Article Critiques 10%
Report of a Professional Association 10%
Research Paper 40%
Participation in class and discussion 20%

Late Assignments
Late assignments will be penalized 10 percent of the grade for that assignment. Incompletes for the class will only be given for extreme medical or family emergencies. No grace period will be given for late submissions.

Course Calendar

Thanksgiving Break is the week of November 21.  No readings or discussion board postings will be due during that week.

Week One Libraries and Society
History of libraries, information services and information technology. Examines the provision of library and information services in the information society, and gives a historical perspective on the need to provide equal access to information in order to maintain a free and democratic society.

Get acquainted with the class website, each other, and acquire necessary materials.
Week Two Characteristics of Information
Introduction to the concept of the information infrastructure and the role of the library within that infrastructure. Also addresses nature of scholarly communication, peer review, and journal evaluation.
Week Three Information and Society
Discusses the concept of the "Information Society" and places it in a political, historical, and sociological perspective, with special attention to the evolving mission and function of libraries. Considers the role of technology in society and how it relates to social change.
Week Four Libraries, Information, and Technology
Reviews the social, political, and technical changes caused by technology in the information workplace.
Week Five The Profession of Librarianship
Explores the socially constructed role of the library and information professions.
Week Six Ethics of the Profession
Examines the ethical basis for professional activities.
Week Seven The Information Professional
Assesses the economic and social value added by the work of information professionals.
Week Eight Professionalism, Values, and Professional Associations
Explores the mission and activities of professional organizations.
Week Nine Understanding the Information User
Examines theories and methodologies for determining user information needs and helping expand information literacy skills.
Week Ten Special Populations, Multiculturalism and Values
Examines the multicultural mission of information workers and information institutions to serve a variety of special populations.
Week Eleven Information Economics
Examines the economic issues related to information access and ownership.
Week Twelve Information Policy
Reviews major policy issues related to information with special emphasis on information policy in a democratic society.
Week Thirteen Intellectual Property and Intellectual Freedom
Explores issues relating to information ownership and intellectual freedom.
Week Fourteen The Future of Information
Examines critical issues and predictions for the future of the information society.

Textbooks and Readings

Required Textbooks:

  • Rubin, R. E. (2010). Foundations of library and information science (3rd ed.). Neal-Schuman. Available through Amazon: 1555706908. arrow gif indicating link outside sjsu domain

Recommended Textbooks:

  • Haycock, K., & Sheldon, B. E. (Eds.). (2008). The portable MLIS: Insights from the experts. Libraries Unlimited. Available through Amazon: 1591585473. arrow gif indicating link outside sjsu domain

GWAR

This course satisfies the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR).

INFO 200 gives students graduate-level writing experience, including a literature review and research paper. Graduate-level academic writing is formal and logical. It involves the avoidance of bias, the inclusion of evidence, and the development of strong arguments. Scholarly writing uses concise, precise, and clear language, is cohesive, and utilizes a logically organized flow of ideas. Successful completion of the research paper satisfies San José State University's Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). If the instructor finds that a student's writing is unacceptable, the instructor will require the student to sign up for online writing tutoring. The student will ask the tutor to confirm with the instructor that he or she is attending sessions.

Grading Scale

The standard SJSU School of Information Grading Scale is utilized for all iSchool courses:

97 to 100 A
94 to 96 A minus
91 to 93 B plus
88 to 90 B
85 to 87 B minus
82 to 84 C plus
79 to 81 C
76 to 78 C minus
73 to 75 D plus
70 to 72 D
67 to 69 D minus
Below 67 F

 

In order to provide consistent guidelines for assessment for graduate level work in the School, these terms are applied to letter grades:

  • C represents Adequate work; a grade of "C" counts for credit for the course;
  • B represents Good work; a grade of "B" clearly meets the standards for graduate level work;
    For core courses in the MLIS program (not MARA) — INFO 200, INFO 202, INFO 204 — the iSchool requires that students earn a B in the course. If the grade is less than B (B- or lower) after the first attempt you will be placed on administrative probation.  You must repeat the class the following semester. If -on the second attempt- you do not pass the class with a grade of B or better (not B- but B) you will be disqualified.
  • A represents Exceptional work; a grade of "A" will be assigned for outstanding work only.

Students are advised that it is their responsibility to maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).

University Policies

General Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities of the Student

As members of the academic community, students accept both the rights and responsibilities incumbent upon all members of the institution. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with SJSU's policies and practices pertaining to the procedures to follow if and when questions or concerns about a class arises. See University Policy S90-5 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S90-5.pdf. More detailed information on a variety of related topics is available in the SJSU catalog at http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/catalog/departments/LIS.html. In general, it is recommended that students begin by seeking clarification or discussing concerns with their instructor. If such conversation is not possible, or if it does not serve to address the issue, it is recommended that the student contact the Department Chair as a next step.

Dropping and Adding

Students are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drop, grade forgiveness, etc. Refer to the current semester's Catalog Policies section at http://info.sjsu.edu/static/catalog/policies.html. Add/drop deadlines can be found on the current academic year calendars document on the Academic Calendars webpage at http://www.sjsu.edu/provost/services/academic_calendars/. The Late Drop Policy is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/aars/policies/latedrops/policy/. Students should be aware of the current deadlines and penalties for dropping classes.

Information about the latest changes and news is available at the Advising Hub at http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/.

Consent for Recording of Class and Public Sharing of Instructor Material

University Policy S12-7, http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/S12-7.pdf, requires students to obtain instructor's permission to record the course and the following items to be included in the syllabus:

  • "Common courtesy and professional behavior dictate that you notify someone when you are recording him/her. You must obtain the instructor's permission to make audio or video recordings in this class. Such permission allows the recordings to be used for your private, study purposes only. The recordings are the intellectual property of the instructor; you have not been given any rights to reproduce or distribute the material."
    • It is suggested that the syllabus include the instructor's process for granting permission, whether in writing or orally and whether for the whole semester or on a class by class basis.
    • In classes where active participation of students or guests may be on the recording, permission of those students or guests should be obtained as well.
  • "Course material developed by the instructor is the intellectual property of the instructor and cannot be shared publicly without his/her approval. You may not publicly share or upload instructor generated material for this course such as exam questions, lecture notes, or homework solutions without instructor consent."

Academic integrity

Your commitment, as a student, to learning is evidenced by your enrollment at San Jose State University. The University Academic Integrity Policy F15-7 at http://www.sjsu.edu/senate/docs/F15-7.pdf requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the office of Student Conduct and Ethical Development. The Student Conduct and Ethical Development website is available at http://www.sjsu.edu/studentconduct/.

Campus Policy in Compliance with the American Disabilities Act

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, or if you need to make special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible, or see me during office hours. Presidential Directive 97-03 at http://www.sjsu.edu/president/docs/directives/PD_1997-03.pdf requires that students with disabilities requesting accommodations must register with the Accessible Education Center (AEC) at http://www.sjsu.edu/aec to establish a record of their disability.

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