Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Programming and service delivery are core activities of library and information services of all types. The 'participatory library', or Library 2.0, is a concept that mandates transparency in practice, the encouragement of participation, the building of communities, and the assessment and evaluation of services.

As a library and information science professional, you will be required to design, implement, manage, promote, evaluate and review information programs, products and services. This unit will equip you with the knowledge and skills to undertake these processes.

Aims

The overall aims of this unit are to enable you to

• a range of emerging technologies and their applications for delivery of library and information programs, products or services


• explore a range of emerging technologies and their applications for your continuing professional development


• design an plan the implementation and evaluation of an information program, product or service to meet a specific client or community need

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to
1. Investigate the needs and wants of specific user communities and develop a program, product or service to meet a specific need
2. Understand and critically discuss the role of assessment and evaluation in library and information practice
3. Demonstrate effective eCommunication skills, as well as written and oral communication skills, through participation in online activities and the production of proposals and critical discussions
4. Demonstrate the ability to think creatively and reflect meaningfully about the applications of emerging technologies for library program, service and product delivery, as well as participation in Personal Learning Networks (PLNs)
5. Understand and critically discuss the ethical, legal, cultural, social, economic and political issues related to the design, development, marketing, maintenance and evaluation of library programs, products and services

Content

The unit encompasses the consideration of the issues associated with library program development. It requires the investigation of the user needs of a particular community and the development of a proposal for an information product, program or service that meets those needs. The unit also explores the importance of evaluation and assessment in information product, program and service management, as well as practical strategies for service evaluation. The following topics will be considered:

• The participatory library


• User needs assessment


• Planning for new services, products and programs


• Evaluation and assessment of information services, products and programs


• Marketing and promotion


• Trends in library programming


• The impact of Web 2.0 and other emerging technologies on library programs


• Practical applications of emerging technology for library programs, products and services

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is offered in a blended 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 incorporates a range of learning activities designed to provide a quality learning experience regardless of the learning mode. Self-paced online learning activities will run concurrently with a series of workshops to provide a holistic learning experience. Through a range of online activities, you will develop skills and knowledge that apply directly to information practice, equipping you as an eCommunicator, eCollaborator and eInvestigator. The unit embraces the concept of learning through play and exploration and will provide opportunities for you to develop a passion for emerging technology.

The pedagogy of this unit is based on the concept of a community of learners, and as such you will actively participate in a virtual learning team, which will become your Personal Learning Network (PLN). Emphasis is placed on group discussion so you can explore and share key ideas. Dialogue between staff and students will be facilitated by a variety of online tools, including Twitter, Skype and personal learning blogs. The primary tool for information exchange in this unit will be the course blog, with Twitter providing a supplementary channel.

Unit materials and readings provide concepts and stimulate your thinking concerning principles, the philosophy and theoretical insight into information programs and products. Guest lecturers will discuss the roles they play as information specialists responsible for information programs and products for specific communities. Reflective practice is built into the weekly learning activities to assist you in developing this valuable professional attribute. You are expected to participate in the learning experience by attending (virtually or in person) and interacting in all scheduled synchronous learning activities, completing asynchronous online learning activities, and undertaking a variety of reading.

Assessment

You will submit your written assessments electronically - 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.Formative feedback from teaching staff and peers will be provided to students via the course site. Summative feedback will be provided through written comments on the Criterion Referenced Assessment grid.

Assessment name: Log/Workbook
Description: Over the course of the semester, you will complete a variety of online learning activities
Relates to objectives: 3, 4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weeks 4,8,12

Assessment name: Professional Plans
Description: Identify a client or community of interest to you and develop a product, program or service designed to meet their specific needs. Your team will be required to prepare a project proposal for submission to a funding body.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
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

There are no set textbooks for this unit. Readings will be suggested each week

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: 22-Jun-2012