LIS 417: Subject Cataloging and Classification

Tentative Syllabus

NOTE: THIS SYLLABUS WILL BE REFINED OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. WHILE THE BASICS WILL NOT CHANGE, THERE WILL BE SOME ADJUSTMENTS.

 

Course Description

This course addresses the theories, principles, and practices of subject cataloging and classification. It covers the application of national standards to the creation of bibliographic records and to the construction of catalogs in libraries and other information environments. It teaches the fundamental concepts of subject cataloging including: understanding the various approaches to and pitfalls in determining aboutness; vocabulary control; the theoretical foundations, structure, and the application of LCSH in subject cataloging; classification theory; and the application of the major classification schemes (DDC and LCC). The course also includes examinations of authority control for subject headings, the MARC format for classification data, and other major subject access systems from around the world, including UDC, Colon, Bliss, Expansive classification, PRECIS, FAST, TGM, AAT, MeSH, Sears, etc. May include readings, discussions, presentations, exams, and written exercises.

 

Student Learning Outcomes: 1, 4, 6, 10

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply standards relevant to specific information service activities.

4. Analyze, synthesize, and communicate information and knowledge in a variety of formats.

6. Assess, create, and evaluate systems for managing content.

10. Analyze information problems and develop solutions drawing from a wide range of information technology tools and practices.

 

Objectives

 

Required Textbooks

• Arlene G. Taylor. Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. 10th ed. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2006.

• Hope A. Olson and John J. Boll. Subject Analysis in Online Catalogs. 2nd ed. Englewood, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 2001.

Recommended Textbooks

• Eric J.Hunter. Classification Made Simple. 2nd ed. Brookfield, Vt.: Gower, 2002.

• Vanda Broughton. Essential Classification. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.

• J.H. Bowman. Essential Dewey. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2005.

• Lois Mai Chan. Library of Congress Subject Headings. 4th ed. Westport, Conn: Libraries Unlimited, 2005.

 

Course Outline

Module 1: Subject Access and Aboutness

Module 2: Library of Congress Subject Headings

Module 3: Dewey Decimal Classification

Module 4: Library of Congress Classification

Module 5: Other Subject Access Systems

Course Information

 

Structure

The course may consist of any of the following: lecture, discussion, in-class and take-home exercises, readings, paired and/or individual assignments, papers, quizzes, projects, and group presentations.

 

Expectations and Requirements

Students are expected and required to:

Assignments

Due dates for assignments are included in this syllabus. You are encouraged to ask for assistance with assignments when needed. Throughout the term you will be working in pairs. All paired projects are to be done only with your partner. Only one version of the paper should be submitted from each pair. You may discuss your work on these assignments with each other, but ultimately the work you turn in should be the result of you and your partner having done the work, not having copied "answers" from other students.

 

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is expected; cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. Cases of plagiarism/academic dishonesty will result in zero points for that assignment for all parties involved. There will be no exceptions. For more information, review the honor code at: http://my.simmons.edu/gslis/resources/student-info/honor-code.shtml

 

Evaluation

Grading Scale

For some assignments, letter grades may be used and for other you will receive grades based on percentages. The following table provides the breakdown of letter grades and percentages.

Late Policy

All assignments are to be completed and turned in on time. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you do not complete/turn in an assignment on the due date, you should expect to receive a 0 (zero) for that assignment. If you are unable to come to class when an assignment is due, you should email or fax the assignment to the instructor BEFORE class begins or send it in with a classmate.

 

Incompletes

Students who become ill, have a medical emergency, a death in the immediate family, extreme hardship, or unusual circumstances may request an incomplete from the instructor. Students must be performing at a passing level to be considered. Forms must be filled out in consultation with the instructor, and the Assistant Dean for Student Administrative Services must review it. If approval is granted, the incomplete must be finished by the end of the following semester.

 

Missing Class

Students who must miss a class due to religious observance, illness, or other emergency should notify the instructor by e-mail before class time. Students are responsible for obtaining the class materials distributed during his/her absence.

It should be noted that attending class is very important and is mandatory. You are expected to come to class each week. You may not miss more than one class without it affecting your grade. Roll will be taken each week.

 

A Note on Special Needs

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for students with documented physical, sensory, systemic, cognitive, learning, and psychiatric disabilities. If you have a disability and anticipate that you will need a reasonable accommodation in this class, it is important that you contact your instructor and the Coordinator of Disability Services at 617-521-2474 early in the semester. They will determine the accommodations needed and create a letter to go out to their faculty.

 

Disclaimer: This syllabus is not a contract. The instructor reserves the right to alter the course requirements, schedule, and/or assignments based on new materials, class discussions, or other legitimate pedagogical objectives. Students will be given notice of relevant changes in class or via e-mail.

©2008 Daniel N. Joudrey