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As a general survey to
information technology and technological infrastructure of information systems,
this course helps to establish fundamental understandings of the essential role
of information systems in the advancement and survival of library management and
services. Core contents covered in the course include concepts of computing and information
technology, integrated library systems, telecommunications and networks, Internet
standards, IT planning, system development, implementation, and management,
usability principles, and digital libraries. The course serves as a gateway to
other technology courses offered at GSLIS.
    
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I.
Course Description:
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GSLIS Description:
This is a course that provides
the conceptual foundation and context of computing.
Internet, and digital publishing technologies as used in
information-intensive professions. The course will serve as
a gateway to all other technology courses offered at GSLIS.
The course serves to provide a foundation overview of how
computers, telecommunications, networking, and digital
publishing function. Particular emphasis is upon terminology
that appears in the professional course program. The
Technology foundations course does not replace the
Technology Orientation Requirement which provides hands-on
skills.
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Purposes and Themes:
As a
general survey to information technology and technological
infrastructure of library information systems, this course helps to
establish fundamental understandings of the essential role
of information technology and information systems in the advancement and survival of
library management and services. The major themes are:
- Computer hardware concepts
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Core
components of technology infrastructure and key principles of information systems
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Telecommunications
architecture and network configurations
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Electronic Content,
Technology Standards, and Open Source Software Products
- Development,
use, and management of integrated library systems in
libraries and information centers
- The process of
information system development life cycle
- Information
Security Issues
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Principles
of usability and outlooks for digital libraries
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Emerging
Technologies in Libraries
II.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
The aim of
the course will be met through achievement of the following
objectives:
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To
learn the terminology and
technical foundations of telecommunications, computer
networking, client server/applications, protocols and
technology standards, digital
formats, and the Internet;
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To become familiar with a wide spectrum of information
systems, and the function and components of such systems, as
well as the principles of
system design, management, and usability;
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To introduce digital content knowledge domains: database
management, XML, and information retrieval, preparing for
subsequent GSLIS courses in technology;
- To apply the understanding of
fundamental, cutting-edge and emerging technology to
connect patrons to information in the library setting;
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To
develop skills in the critical analysis and
evaluation of information systems, and in the select and use
of systems that contribute effectively and efficiently to
the satisfaction of information needs in specific contexts.
III. Student Learning Outcomes
[by number from GSLIS Web]:
4, 10
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Analyze, synthesize, and
communicate information and knowledge in a variety of
formats.
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Analyze information problems and develop solutions drawing
from a wide range of information technology tools and
practices.
IV.
Course
Design:
Two third of
the class time will be devoted to lecturing and class
discussions on the designated topics covered in readings. The
remaining 1/3rd of the time is arranged for practical
exploration of some selected information technology and systems.
The intent is that the first part of the class is to establish
conceptual understanding of the content, while the second part
as a hands-on component, serving the purpose of contextualizing
and internalizing the declarative knowledge covered earlier. A
tour to Simmons College Integrated Library Systems facilities is scheduled. Some
in-class exercises of practicing information systems are also
arranged.
V.
Honor Code and Academic Support:
Simmons GSLIS expects each of its students
to uphold the Honor System
(http://my.simmons.edu/gslis/resources/student-info/honor-code.shtml)
and does not tolerate academic or scholastic dishonesty, such as
plagiarism, cheating, or academic fraud. Penalties range from
failure on the assignment, failure in the course, or dismissal
from the program
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.
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,
please
contact the Disability Services Office located on the third
floor of the Palace Road Building, Suite P304 or via phone
at 617-521-2474,
early in the semester. See also the Web page at
http://my.simmons.edu/academics/asc/ for a list of contacts.
Students with disabilities are also encouraged to contact their
instructors to discuss their individual needs for
accommodations.
Go to the top.© Rong Tang 2006
Site Created by Rong Tang August 2006
Last updated:
09/01/06.
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