Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The ability to quickly learn and expertly use new information resources and concepts is a vital skill for the modern day library and information professional. This unit will help you to understand the structure of the information environment, to reflect upon the information resources you discover, and to develop the ability to find appropriate information for future problem solving. You will develop your skills in identifying, accessing, evaluating and retrieving information resources to meet specific needs. The unit will also help you develop skills in teamwork and oral and written communication.

Aims

The unit will help you to develop the skills required for advanced database searching and understand the structure and use of information resources in a variety of potential contexts. You will also develop the knowledge and skills required in information brokerage, information specialist, or reference work in the library and information science contexts. The unit also aims to develop your basic skills in the reference and service interview process.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Critically discuss the many challenges and issues (i.e. legal, ethical, technological, social, cultural, professional) impacting upon contemporary reference services. (GC1, GC6, GC7)


2. Understand the reference interview process and conduct one in order to determine user information needs. (GC1, GC2, GC3)


3. Identify and critically evaluate the appropriate sources, regardless of format, from which to obtain required information (GC1, GC2, GC6)


4. Tailor your information search strategy to account for varying interfaces in the information environment; (GC 1, GC2, GC4)


5. Engage in professional oral and written communication (GC 3)

Key: Graduate Capabilities
GC1 - Knowledge and Skills
GC2 - Critical and Creative Thinking
GC3 - Communication
GC4 - Lifelong Learning
GC5 - Independence and Collaboration
GC6 - Social and Ethical Responsibility
GC7 - Leadership and Change

Content

This unit introduces you to the role and value of information to individuals and to organisations. Given the proliferation of information available in print, in bibliographic databases and on the World Wide Web, you will develop a critical understanding of the range of information resources currently available. Topics covered include role of information services and information professionals; identifying user needs; the information searching process; the many and varied information resources currently available; online information service providers; and, people as information resources. The importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication skills to ascertain and interpret client's information needs through the reference interview is also highlighted. There is a strong focus on developing strategies so you can identify relevant information resources and efficiently search these resources in order to retrieve and deliver the desired information to potential clients.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is offered in a blended or multi-modal delivery mode. The unit can be undertaken internally, externally or a combination of both. You are encouraged to move between the different modes of delivery as you need throughout the semester. The unit has been designed to provide a quality learning experience regardless of the learning mode. The pedagogy in this unit is based on the concept of a community of learners. Emphasis is placed on group discussion so you can explore and share key ideas. Reflective practice is introduced as a professional attribute. Dialogue between staff and students is encouraged through ongoing discussion and consultation. This is achieved face to face and through social technologies. The Blackboard site is the primary tool used for information exchange and communication. Unit material and readings provide concepts and stimulate your thinking concerning principles, the philosophy and the theoretical insight into the reference process. Guest lecturers will discuss the role they play as information specialists responsible for reference and service provision in their own contexts. There is also the opportunity to undertake self-directed learning via online learning modules available via the Blackboard site. You are expected to participate in the learning experience by attending, interacting and reflecting in all classes, and by undertaking a wide variety of reading.

Assessment

You will submit your written assessments through the unit Blackboard site - details will be announced during the lectures. You are expected to work on the assignments independently, but you can ask for assistance from the teaching staff.

QUT Library has developed a Subject Guide to assist students to understand academic integrity and to avoid plagiarism: http://libguides.library.qut.edu.au/honestyYou can obtain feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:

• ask the teaching staff for advice and assistance during class sessions


• feedback on assignments will be provided throughout the semester, comments will focus on both the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your work


• teaching staff are available for consultation to clarify assignment requirements and to assist with your understanding of unit content.


• teaching staff will also regularly reply to email enquiries.

Assessment name: Poster Presentation
Description: You are required to critically evaluate a reference resource and to communicate your evaluation to your peers through the creation and display of a professional poster. This is an individual assignment.
Relates to objectives: 3, 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: In this assignment you will be given the opportunity to experience and to reflect upon the process of responding to reference questions in both the traditional and digital reference environment. This is an individual assignment.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Report
Description: You are required to develop a written report in response to a client's information need. This is an individual project.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements for this unit.
There is no required textbook for the unit. You will be expected to read widely as part of your studies in the unit. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted weekly. The following resources may be of assistance to your study in the unit:

Recommended Readings

Bopp, R.E. & Smith, L.C. (2010) Reference and Information Services: An Introduction. 4th edition, Englewood, Co: Libraries Unlimited.

Case, D. O,(2007) Looking for information : a survey of research on information seeking, needs and behavior, London: Academic Press

Cassell, K. (2006) Reference and information services in the 21st century: an introduction. London: Facet.

Katz, W.A. (2002) Introduction to Reference Work, (2vols). 8th edition, New York: McGraw-Hill

Kovacs, D (2007) The virtual reference handbook: interview and information delivery techniques for the chat and email environments, London: Facet Publishing.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 12-Oct-2012