Course Description

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LSC 727 introduces the concepts, principles, search techniques and strategies needed by information specialists when providing quality online retrieval services in a variety of environments. We will learn database construction and structure, skills of the presearch interview, typical search languages, and skills for search output evaluation.

The principle system used is Dialog, which serves as a prototypical command-driven retrieval system. Other retrieval systems covered include Lexis/Nexis, Factiva, and a number of electronic databases made available through Catholic University Library System or WRLC System. We will also learn to use the World Wide Web search facilities and compare leading web search engines and metasearch tools.

This is a hands-on course designed around a series of exercises, in-class demonstrations and discussions, and presentations of search projects.

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Objectives, Course Design and Computing Specifics

I. Course Description & Objectives:

Course Description via SLIS Catalog:
Covers the theory and practice of information storage and retrieval in the online environment. Includes the history of the online information industry, types and structures of online databases, basic search skills, and search strategy development. Illustrates search techniques using commerical databases, CD-ROMS, and Internet resources. Explores and accesses electronic reference services and discusses the management of online search services

Course Objectives:

To establish the quality of a professional information searcher with a general proficiency in presearch interviewing, search strategy organization and planning, search result evaluation for the solution of real information problems for clients;
To learn database characteristics and arrangement of Dialog and Lexis/Nexis through physical inspection and retrieval exercises. To understand the general principles of literature search in a variety of online databases and search systems
To develop the ability to successfully select appropriate electronic sources to fulfill information requests in several subject fields;
To achieve the ability to transfer the knowledge and skills learned for one system to an unfamiliar database. To develop the proficiency in using documentation and search aids to learn about the scope, coverage, unique features, and search language of the unfamiliar database and perform quality searches in such a system;
To cultivate informed opinions and develop the awareness of issues and trends in the development of online systems and the provision of online services in a variety of settings.

II. Course Design:

Two thirds of the class time is devoted for lectures and instructor's demonstrations. One third of the class time is for students' in-class practice and exercises.

III. Database Specifics and Computing Facilities:

The software that we are going to use for the course:

DialogLink 3.1.50
Lexis/Nexis 7.2

The computers in the SLIS lab (Marist 131 & Marist 237) are installed with DialogLink and Lexis/Nexis.

IDs and Passwords to Dialog, Lexis/Nexis and factiva:

For Dialog, Lexis/Nexis, and factiva, each of you will have an ID to signon. Note: These IDs and passwords are for classroom instruction purpose only and will expire once the semester ends. Please DO NOT use it for any tasks other than for class projects and assignments.

You will be able to use the terminals in SLIS Lab for your assignments and projects, you dialog and factiva assignments can be done using any computers that has Internet connection. Your nexis assignment, however, is only doable in the SLIS labs.

IV. Code of Conduct and Definition of Plagiarism:
Students are expected to follow the “Code of Student Conduct” established by the university. Violations of the Code are acts of academic dishonesty and include but are not limited to plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, aid of academic dishonesty, and lying to course instructors. By taking this class and turning in assignments, you are agreeing to abide by the Code.
Definition of Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in any academic exercise; failure to attribute any of the following: quotations, paraphrases, or borrowed information from print sources or websites; buying completed papers from other to use as one's own work.

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