Online Information Systems 21:242

Course Description

This course is designed to help students identify, access, and analyze a variety of online information systems, both fee-based and free-based. Information searching theories will be explored. The emphasis will be on hands-on experiences, and the application of principles learned to each stage of the search process.

Required Textbooks:

Dialog Lab Workbook Dialog Pocket Guide (will be provided in class)

LexisNexis workbooks (will be provided in class)

Westlaw workbooks (will be provided in class)

The following book will be used as a reference. You are welcome to purchase it, or use the one on Reserve for some assigned chapter readings.

Walker, Geraldene and Janes, Joseph. 1999. Online retrieval : a dialogue of theory and practice. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited. (1 copy on Reserve)

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students should be

• comfortable with the basic processes involved in electronic information access
• familiar with a variety of online information models/systems and electronic sources of information
• able to apply electronic information access principles, techniques and critical thinking skills to perform various types of library and information services
• knowledgeable about theories behind information seeking and be able to apply theory-into-practice approaches to provide effective client-based services for information users
• able to describe the relationship between database design and record access
• able to compare the strengths and weaknesses of databases in a variety of interfaces
  

Expectations

• attend all classes
• complete all assignments and exercises by the due date
• read assigned readings
• participate in class discussions
• work on a team

UI policies concerning student rights and responsibilities
http://www.uiowa.edu/homepage/policy/