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
- To become conversant in the concepts and principles of subject determination, controlled vocabulary, and classification.
- To understand the broader context in which these principles function.
- To master basic skills in subject cataloging, including the ability to create original, machine-coded data for bibliographic records in a professional context.
- To acquire the ability to analyze information resources for subject content, to assign LC subject headings, and LC and Dewey classification notation to information resources, and to provide MARC tagging in preparation for online input.
- To be able to cite authorities, synthesize opinions, and defend work in written and oral form.
- To become familiar with other subject cataloging systems.
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.
Highly Recommended Textbooks
It would be very helpful to get/read at least one of these two:
- Eric J. Hunter. Classification Made Simple. 2nd ed. Brookfield, Vt.: Gower, 2002.
- Vanda Broughton. Essential Classification. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2004.
Other Recommended Textbooks
- 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
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, reviews, quizzes, exams, projects, and group presentations.
Expectations and Requirements
Students are expected and required to:
- attend each class session.
- be prepared for class.
- read the assigned textbooks and other required readings for each session.
- complete in-class exercises and homework assignments on time.
- attend lab sessions, if scheduled.
- fully participate in group projects and be present for group presentations.
- turn in assignments representative of graduate-level work.
- check your e-mail daily.
- learn to use the Simmons Libraries Online Catalog, OCLC Connexion, Classification Web, and Cataloger's Desktop.
- learn to use other cataloging tools.
- learn to use eLearning and Microsoft PowerPoint software.
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 completing individual assignments as well as working in pairs. All paired projects are to be done only with your partner. Only one version of the assignment should be submitted from each pair.
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
- Aboutness Determination exercises (5%)
- Subject Cataloging assignments (50%)
- Book Reviews (10%)
- Annotated Bibliography (10%)
- Presentations (20%)
- Participation/Attendance (5%)
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.
A - = 90 - 93 % |
A = 94 - 100% |
|
B - = 80 - 83 % |
B = 84 - 86 % |
B + = 87 - 89 % |
C - = 70 - 73 % |
C = 74 - 76 % |
C + = 77 - 79 % |
D - = 60 - 63 % |
D = 64 - 66 % |
D + = 67 - 69 % |
|
F= < 60% |
|
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. There are no extensions, no make-up work, and no exceptions.
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 mandatory. You are expected to come to class each week and attendance is part of your participation 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.