LIS454 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, a number of electronic databases made available through Simmons Library System, and MetaLib, a federated searching tool. We will also learn to use the World Wide Web search facilities and compare leading web search engines, specialized search engines, subject directories, 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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I. Course Description, Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

• Course Description via GSLIS Catalog:

  Provides a survey of the use and management of commercial electronic resources. The course will focus on search strategies and logics as applied on online databases in bibliographic, full-text, numeric and directory formats. Focuses on management consideration such as client relationships, collection development, equipment purchasing, and the management of public access services. Trends in electronic publishing both in multimedia CD-ROM and the World Wide Web are explored. Instructional methods include lecture, online demonstration, hands-on training, and guest speakers.

• Course Objectives:
  1. 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;
  2. 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
  3. To develop the ability to successfully select appropriate electronic sources to fulfill information requests in several subject fields;
  4. 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;
  5. 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.

   

• Student Learning Outcomes [by number}: 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of print and electronic information retrieval procedures.
  2. Develop user-centered strategies for solving reference service problems, while demonstrating a command of current issues and trends
  3. Analyze, synthesize, and communicate information and knowledge in a variety of formats.
  4. Assess, create, and evaluate systems for managing content.
  5. Respond to diversity among individuals and communities through policies, collections, and services.
  6. Analyze information problems and develop solutions drawing from a wide range of information technology tools and practices.

II. Course Design:

III. Database Specifics and Computing Facilities:

1. DialogLink 3.0
2. Lexis/Nexis 7.2 Research Software

IV. IDs and Passwords to Dialog, Lexis/Nexis, factiva, and MetaLib:

For factiva and MetaLib, the class will share a ID/password to complete assignment or in-class exercises.

You will be able to use the terminals in GSLIS 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 GSLIS lab.

Rong Tang 2007.
Site created by Rong Tang August 2007.