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This is a core course in the Master of Library Science (MLS) program. It provides an introduction to information technologies as it pertains to libraries, archives, schools, and other information-centric organizations. Emphasis is placed on the design of systems for connecting users with information. The goals of the course are:
The textbook for the course is "Discovering Computers 2009: Complete" by Gary B. Shelly, Thomas J. Cashman, Misty E. Vermaat. An earlier (reasonably recent) edition of the textbook is acceptable, but if you use an earlier edition, check to make sure the chapter numbers are the same! All additional course material will be available on the course homepage.
This course assumes that you already have the following skills:
These skills are not taught as a part of this course. If you have concerns about mastery of these skills, please contact me before the second class session.
Finally, it is required that you have regular access to a computer and an Internet connection throughout this course. A laptop is preferable. If you have a laptop, it would be useful to bring the laptop to class, especially for the lab sessions (see below).
This course is organized into two-week blocks, each focusing on a particular topic (see syllabus for more details). The first session of each block will be primarily devoted to building fundamental concepts, where emphasis is placed on ideas. These sessions will be conducted along a more traditional lecture format with discussions at appropriate junctures. The second session of each block will be devoted to technology presentations, i.e., "labs". The purpose of each lab is to help you acquire the necessary skills in applying information technology to solve real world problems. Each lab will consist of demos and hands-on exercises that complement the concepts introduced in the previous session. If you have a laptop, make sure to bring it to the lab sessions.
Components of the final grade are as follows:
| Assignments (5 total) | 20% |
| Final exam | 35% |
| Final project | 35% |
| Class participation | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
There will be a total of five homework assignments due throughout the semester. Together, they are worth 20% of your final grade. Assignments are designed to help you learn the material, so please use them for that! You are allowed to collaborate with others (as many people as you'd like), but you must turn in your own assignment. For example, you could work together in a group, but each person must write up their solutions individually.
All completed assignments will be posted on the Web, on your homepage. At the end of the semester, you'll have a complete record of your accomplishments (i.e., a Web portfolio). For the first assignment, please email me the URL of your homepage. For convenience, you are encouraged to use your WAM account to host your files. Note that you can choose to make your homepage public or private—this will be discussed in class.
Assignments are due before the class indicated on the syllabus. A plus/check/minus system will be used for grading the homework assignments. Check indicates a satisfactory completion of the assignment. Plus indicates an impressive mastery of the material. Minus indicates noticeable gaps in the product. Late policy: for assignments turned in a day or less late, I will take your original grade and bump it down a step (e.g., plus becomes check, check becomes minus, etc.). Assignments more than a day late will not be accepted.
There will be an in-class final exam on 12/3 during normal class time. This final is cumulative, but will be open book, so memorization is not required. However, it is wise that you gain mastery of all concepts, and only use course materials to look up specific information. The final exam will be worth 35% of your grade.
More information will be posted on a separate page for the final project.
Each class is critical to your learning experience, and I expect you to come to class prepared (having read all assigned readings, ready to engage). I also expect active participation, not passive reception of the material. Your energy in contributing to class discussions and hands-on exercises will make this class an enjoyable experience for all of us. Class participation is worth 10% of your total grade.
I have a simple way for assessing class participation. In the beginning, everyone starts out with five points (out of a total of ten). Depending on the factors discussed above, this score will be increased or decreased as appropriate.
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally
recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student
Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at
Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student
you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It
is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating,
fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the
Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit
http://www.shc.umd.edu.
| This page, first created: 1 Sep 2008; last updated: |
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