LIBR 202-01
LIBR 202-11
Information Retrieval
Spring 2009 Greensheet
Dr. Kristen Radsliff Clark
E-mail
Office: SJSU SLIS in Fullerton (PLS 67a)
Office Hours: By appointment.
| Greensheet Links Textbooks and Readings Course Requirements Course Calendar | Resources ANGEL ANGEL Tutorials | LIBR 202 Resources Online Resource Supplemental Readings Inmagic Download |
This is an online-only class using Angel and Elluminate. Students must self-enroll for the course on Blackboard between January 20th and January 24th. The required password access enrollment code will be provided in an email via the MySJSU Messaging system.
The course begins via Angel on Thursday, January 22nd.
Course Description
Principles of information retrieval and their application to information systems and services. Emphasizing models of user information seeking behavior, human information processing, and their relationship to retrieval models in information systems. Class activities will be carried out in Blackboard, video, and audio formats. Enrollment in the Angel class is mandatory.
Course Prerequisites
Demonstrated computer literacy. Students need to know how to download software, zip and unzip files, work with folders, and elementary computer trouble shooting. Students need to know how to download software, zip and unzip files, work with folders, and elementary computer trouble shooting.
Course Objectives
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will be able to design, query, and evaluate a database information retrieval system, using an appropriate user model.
- Students will be able to articulate fundamental concepts of information-seeking behavior and employ them in the design and evaluation of systems.
- Students will be able to define a set of terms reflecting fundamental concepts of information retrieval and use them in discussions of their projects for the class.
- Students will understand metadata, both structure and representation, and be aware of dominant models such as the MARC record, LC Classification, Dublin Core, and NISO 39-19.
- Students will understand principles of good interface design and be able to evaluate interfaces using those principles.
LIBR 202 supports the following SLIS Core Competencies:
- Design, query and evaluate information retrieval systems.
- Understand the system of standards and methods used to control and create information structures and apply basic principles involved in the organization and representation of knowledge.
- Describe the fundamental concepts of information-seeking behavior.
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 Angel, Elluminate and Second Life. This course must be completed by all new SLIS students within the first 4 weeks of their first semester. If you have questions about this course, e-mail Debbie Faires or Dale David.
For more information, see http://ischool.sjsu.edu/classes/coursedesc.htm
Help! How do I …?
I will create a discussion forum in Blackboard for general questions regarding due-dates, structure of assignments, and clarification of concepts. Please post your general questions here so that all students may benefit. Feel free to contact me via email. Placing the words: 202 question and your section number in the subject field will guarantee that your email will get to my high priority folder so that I can get back to you promptly (usually within 24 to 48 hours).
Assignments and Exams
In addition to 12 weekly summaries of readings, students will complete a short introduction of themselves via Angel, two (2) database-based assignments, and (2) exams for this class: a midterm and a final. More specific information regarding all assignments and exams will be made available on the Angel course website.
| ASSIGNMENT | POINTS |
| Introductions/Short Biography via Angel | 6 |
| Weekly Summaries of Readings - 12 total | 24 |
| Assignment #1 | 15 |
| Assignment #2 | 15 |
| Midterm | 20 |
| Comprehensive Final | 20 |
| TOTAL POINTS | 100 |
Weekly Summaries, Angel, and Elluminate Participation
All students will send weekly summaries of readings to me via Angel. These will be graded on a submitted/not submitted basis. See the “Notes on Weekly Summaries†and handouts. I will also hold weekly Elluminate lecture/workshop sessions on Thursday nights. **Part of participation in this course includes listening well to others and engaging with opposing viewpoints. You are expected to be respectful and thoughtful in responding to each other and in responding to the course materials.
Course Calendar
Subject to change with fair notice
Week 1 – Introduction and Representation (1/22-1/31)
 Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Norman “The Power of Representationâ€; Star & Bowker “To Classify is Human.†|
 To Do(Assignments): | By Saturday of this week (1/31) : Brief introduction via Angel. Please edit your homepage. |
Week 2 – Information Retrieval and Database Systems (2/1-2/7)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. |
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. |
Week 3 – Data Attributes and Relationships (2/8-2/14)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes, DB/Textworks “Online Resourcesâ€. |
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 4 – Descriptive and Subject Metadata (2/15-2/21)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Coyle “Understanding Metadata and Its Purpose.†Exam: Midterm handed out (due 3/14). |
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 5 – Controlled Vocabularies (2/22-2/28)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Svenonius “Unanswered Questions in the Design of Controlled Vocabularies.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. |
Week 6 – Classification and Folksonomies (3/1-3/7)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Mathes “Folksonomies†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. |
Week 7 – MIDTERM WEEK (3/8-3/14)
| Read | Documents: Assignment #2: Receive handout (due 4/4). Readings: NO READINGS THIS WEEK |
| To Do (Assignments): | Catch-up, review, and write your midterm! |
Week 8 – Classification and Power (3/15-3/21)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Star & Bowker “Classification and Its Consequences: Chapter 6.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. |
Week 9 – Querying IR Systems (3/22-3/28) SPRING RECESS
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Meadow “Querying the Information Retrieval System.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: NO LECTURE THIS WEEK. |
Week 10 – Information Seeking Behavior (3/29-4/4)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Marchionini “Information Seekers and Electronic Environments†& “Information-Seeking Perspective and Framework.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. |
Week 11 – Information Seeking Behavior (4/5-4/11)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Kuhlthau “Zones of Intervention in the Process of Information Seeking.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 12 – Design as a Professional Activity (4/12-4/18)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. |
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 13 – Usability & Evaluation (4/19-4/25)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: Tufte “PowerPoint is Evil.†& Norman “In Defense of PowerPoint.†|
| To Do (Assignments): | By Saturday of this week: Weekly Summaries. Please upload via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 14 – Catch-up & Review (4/26-5/2)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: NO READINGS THIS WEEK. |
| To Do (Assignments): | Attend course lecture via Elluminate: (see Angel course website for scheduling information). |
Week 15 – Wrap-Up (5/2-5/13)
| Read | Documents: Greensheet, “Discussion via Blackboard,†“Notes on Weekly Summaries,†This Week’s Videos & Notes. Readings: NO READINGS THIS WEEK. |
| To Do (Assignments): | By Wednesday 5/13 of this week: Send completed final to me via Blackboard. Attend course lecture via Elluminate: NO LECTURE THIS WEEK. |
SPRING 2009
Monday......................... January 19.....................Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Campus Closed Wednesday................... January 21.....................Spring Semester Begins Wednesday................... January 21.....................Pre-Instruction Activities: Orientation, Advisement, Faculty Meetings and Conferences Thursday....................... January 22.....................First Day of Instruction Tuesday........................ February 3 .....................Last Day to Drop Courses Without an Entry on Student's Permanent Record Tuesday........................ February 10 ...................Last Day to Add Courses & Register Late Wednesday................... February 18 ...................Enrollment Census Date Monday – Friday........... March 23-27 ..................Spring Recess Tuesday........................ March 31 .......................Cesar Chavez Day - Campus Closed Wednesday................... May 13...........................Last Day of Instruction Thursday....................... May 14...........................Study/Conference Day (no classes or exams) Friday............................ May 15, .........................Final Examinations Monday – Thursday...... May18-21 ......................Final Examinations Friday............................ May 22...........................Final Examinations Make-Up Day Saturday ....................... May 23...........................Commencement Monday......................... May 25 ..........................Memorial Day - Campus Closed Tuesday........................ May 26...........................Grade Evaluation Day Wednesday................... May 27...........................Grades Due From Faculty - End of Academic Year
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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