LIBR 210-11
Reference and Information Services
Summer 2015 Greensheet
Dr. Johanna Tunon
E-mail -- For class-related communications, use the Canvas e-mail.
Home phone: (954) 249-1449
Office location: Phoenix, Arizona
Office hours: By appointment by phone or via Collaborate. NOTE: You are welcome to call before 9 pm PT.
| Greensheet Links Textbooks SLOs Competencies Prerequisites |
Resources Canvas Login and Tutorials iSchool eBookstore |
Canvas Information: Courses will be available beginning June 1st, 12:01am PST unless you are taking an intensive or a one unit or two unit class that starts on a different day. In that case the class will open at 12:01am PST on the first day that the class meets.
You will be enrolled into the Canvas site automatically.
NOTE: Early birds can email me if you would like the list of video lecture links for the class before the course starts.
Course Description
Catalog Description: A process-oriented examination of how information professionals answer reference questions. The interpersonal skills required for effective question negotiation and the sources with which questions are answered are stressed.
Full Description: This course provides an overview of reference and information services. We will be examining and evaluating key information sources in a variety of formats and becoming familiar with professional resources. Because the field of librarianship is changing rapidly, we will be exploring various methods and models for delivering information and examining how emerging trends as well as ways to use new ideas and skills that are impacting the future of reference services and access to information.
Course Requirements
- Assignment 1 (21%)
Mini activities - Assignment 2 (30%)
Discussion topics/activities + participation - Assignment 3 - (15%)
Complete a pathfinder/subject guide - Assignment 4 (15%)
Annotated bibliography of reference sources 15% - Assignment 5 (15%)
Reference desk shadowing
** Alternative option (for A3, A4, or A5)
Prerecorded tutorial video or another pre-approved assignment alternative - Assignment 6 (4%)
Virtual reference transaction script and analysis
Course Calendar
| Week | Overview of Class Readings, Activities, and Assignments | Due Dates |
| Wk 1 |
|
June 7 |
| Wk 2 |
|
June 14 |
| Wk 3 |
|
June 21 |
| Wk 4 |
|
June 28 |
| Wk 5 |
|
July 5 |
| Wk 6 |
|
July 12 |
| Wk 7 |
|
July 19 |
| Wk 8 |
|
July 26 |
| Wk 9 |
|
Aug. 2 |
| Wk 10 |
|
Aug. 7 |
|
*Due dates are subject to change with fair notice.
Description of Assignments and Grading Criteria
NOTE: If you have some special circumstance that makes completion of some activities difficult, contact me about possible alternative activities.
- Assignment 1: Mini Activities 21% (3% X 7 weeks)
In seven out of the ten weeks of class, mini activities will have you actually look for appropriate sources for "information quest" questions, try search strategies, or examine specific types of resources. See my Panopto video and the scoring rubric for details on the mini activities and the grading criteria.
NOTE: If you are working in a special library setting and have a suggestion for an alternative assignment that would give you comparable skills using reference sources in a specific type of library setting, contact me. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcome addressed:
- SLO2: Use basic reference tools and searching techniques to answer a wide range of questions.
- Assignment 2: Discussion Topics (9 X 3% + 3% participation = 30%)
Discussion topics frequently require you to visit a library or use a library service. These weekly activities require more than posting your own personal opinions on the topic under discussion. Address the posted discussion questions using substantive content by utilizing, analyzing, and synthesizing what you learned in the textbook, class readings, etc. Substantive participation with others in class counts for 3% of the discussion grade. See my Panopto video and the scoring rubric for the details about completing the discussions and grading criteria. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcomes addressed:
- SLO4: Describe the relationships between user needs, information resources, and relevant information technologies.
- SL05: Describe current issues and trends in reference services, including the impact of technology on user needs and reference interactions.
- SLO6: Evaluate reference services that address the needs of a diverse and changing society.
- SLO7: Understand the relationship between reference service and information literacy instruction.
- SLO8: Begin to develop a personal philosophy of reference service.
- NOTE: A number of the topics for the weekly discussions may serve as evidence to support various core competencies for your e-portfolio.
- Assignment 3 (15%)
Pathfinder/Subject Guide/LibGuide Option
A reference librarian needs to understand patrons’ information needs so it is important to be able to help them locate appropriate resources. In order to hone these skills, you will create some kind of pathfinder, subject guide, or LibGuide designed to help library patrons in a real or fictional library locate appropriate resources on a specific topic. In an accompanying document, reflect on what you learned in the process as well as the relationships between your users’ needs, the type of information resources utilized, and any relevant information technologies. See the scoring rubric and Panopto video for Assignment 3 for details, examples, and grading criteria. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcome addressed:
- SLO4: Describe the relationships between user needs, information resources, and relevant information technologies
- Assignment 4: Annotated Bibliography of Reference Sources (15%)
Unlike Assignment 3, the goal of Assignment 4 is to develop an annotated list of 20 or more current reference resources and tool in a specific subject area that can be used by library staff to provide reference help for patrons. Include an appropriate variety of types of online, print, and multimedia sources including books, databases, websites, etc. The annotations should provide a brief summary and evaluation of the source based on your selection criteria and resources such as professional reviews and awards when available. The annotated bibliography can be in a print format or using some technology such as a blog or LibGuide. A brief reflection on your selection criteria and what you learned can be included with your scope statement or separately. See the scoring rubric and Panopto video for Assignment 4 for details, examples, and grading criteria. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcome addressed:
- SLO1: Identify and assess the characteristics and functions of various types of reference sources.
- NOTE: This assignment may serve as a possible artifact for Core Competency F your e-portfolio.
- Assignment 5: Reference Desk Shadowing (15%)
Write an analysis of your experience shadowing a reference librarian for two hours at the reference desk using the RUSA guidelines and the criteria in the Cassell and Hiremath textbook. See the scoring rubric and Panopto video for Assignment 5 for details, examples, and grading criteria.- LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcomes addressed:
- SLO4: Describe the relationships between user needs, information resources, and relevant information technologies.
- SL05: Describe current issues and trends in reference services, including the impact of technology on user needs and reference interactions.
- SLO6: Evaluate reference services that address the needs of a diverse and changing society.
- SLO7: Understand the relationship between reference service and information literacy instruction.
- NOTE: This assignment might be used as evidence to support Core Competency I for your e-portfolio.
- Alternative Option (for Assignment 3, 4, or 5): Prerecorded Video Tutorial or Other Pre-approved Assignment Alternative
This option is designed as an alternative assignment for Assignment 3, 4, or 5. It gives students the opportunity to use some kind of technology such as Collaborate or Jing for a 10-minute introduction to database or technology tool useful for reference librarians, and the assignment will also include a short reflection on what you learned. See the Panopto video and scoring rubric for details, examples, and grading criteria.
NOTE: Students who are already working in a library setting also have the option to do an alternative reference-related project. However, pre-approval for any alternative assignment topic is required. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcomes addressed:
- SLO4: Describe the relationships between user needs, information resources, and relevant information technologies.
- SL05: Describe current issues and trends in reference services, including the impact of technology on user needs and reference interactions.
- SLO6: Evaluate reference services that address the needs of a diverse and changing society.
- SLO7: Understand the relationship between reference service and information literacy instruction.
- NOTE: If you plan to use the pre-recorded tutorial as an artifact for your e-portfolio, check with me to be sure that you also address related learning principles and theories for Core Competency K.
- Assignment 6: Virtual Reference Transaction Script and Analysis (4%)
Provide a written script for a short reference transaction that addresses an ethical question on a medical or legal topic or a reader's advisory question specifically asked by a child: Provide an analysis of the reference transaction as well as a discussion of the ethical considerations. Your scenario does not need to be long, but it should illustrate the principals of a good reference interview using the RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference Information Service Providers and/or the RUSA Guidelines for Medical, Legal, and Business Responses or the YALSA Competencies for Librarians Serving Youth. See the Panopto video and the scoring rubric for details for Assignment 6 and the grading criteria. - LIBR 210 Student Learning Outcome addressed:
- SLO3: Conduct effective reference interviews.
- NOTE: You may want to consider using this assignment as evidence for Core Competency I or also possibly Core Competency A as evidence of ethics and foundational principles of librarians and information professionals.
Course Grading
- All work is due by the date listed, but there is a two-day no-questions-asked grace period for all assignments. If you are unable to complete the work by the end of the grace period, there is a 10% penalty unless you contact me and make special arrangements for an extension.
- Check the grading criteria provided in the scoring rubrics before submitting assignments to be sure that you are addressing all of the elements that should be included in the assignments.
- The details of the assignments, grading criteria, and grading rubrics are subject to minor adjustments with fair notice.
- With the exception of the standard two-day, no-questions-asked grace period, no work will be accepted after the end of the course unless you have made arrangements that meet the university criteria and have been approved by me in writing or by email.
Course Workload Expectations
Success in this course is based on the expectation that students will spend, for each unit of credit, a minimum of forty-five hours over the length of the course (normally 3 hours per unit per week with 1 of the hours used for lecture) for instruction or preparation/studying or course related activities including but not limited to internships, labs, clinical practica. Other course structures will have equivalent workload expectations as described in the syllabus.
Instructional time may include but is not limited to:
Working on posted modules or lessons prepared by the instructor; discussion forum interactions with the instructor and/or other students; making presentations and getting feedback from the instructor; attending office hours or other synchronous sessions with the instructor.
Student time outside of class:
In any seven-day period, a student is expected to be academically engaged through submitting an academic assignment; taking an exam or an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction; building websites, blogs, databases, social media presentations; attending a study group;contributing to an academic online discussion; writing papers; reading articles; conducting research; engaging in small group work.
Course Prerequisites
LIBR 202.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Identify and assess the characteristics and functions of various types of reference sources.
- Use basic reference tools and searching techniques to answer a wide range of questions.
- Conduct effective reference interviews.
- Describe the relationships between user needs, information resources, and relevant information technologies.
- Describe current issues and trends in reference services, including the impact of technology on user needs and reference interactions.
- Evaluate reference services that address the needs of a diverse and changing society.
- Understand the relationship between reference service and information literacy instruction.
- Begin to develop a personal philosophy of reference service.
Core Competencies (Program Learning Outcomes)
LIBR 210 supports the following core competencies:
- I Use service concepts, principles, and techniques to connect individuals or groups with accurate, relevant, and appropriate information.
- N Evaluate programs and services using measurable criteria.
Textbooks
Required Textbooks:
- Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2013). Reference and information services: An introduction (3rd ed.). Neal-Schuman. Available through Amazon: 1555708595
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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