|
| |
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
principal 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.
-- Click the
buttons below to get more detailed information --
 | 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 commercial
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 pre-search 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.
|
|
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.
The software that
we are going to use for the course:
- DialogLink
5
- 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.
|
