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

Developing and maintaining dynamic and relevant collections in the current information age is an exciting challenge for the modern day information professional. To provide an effective information service you require an appreciation of the diverse information needs of the community or client groups you serve, an understanding of the diverse information resources in different formats and media together with an understanding of how collections can be designed and delivered to meet these needs. This unit will provide you the opportunity to discuss the contemporary issues in information resource provision.

Aims

This unit seeks to develop your understanding of the key issues involved in developing and managing a contemporary and innovative collection. In particular you will be given the opportunity to become familiar with the methods and tools used in the selection and acquisition of information resources and the creation of information collections to meet the specific needs of a community or client group. You will also develop a working knowledge of the skills and techniques essential for critically evaluating the resources and collections created. The unit further seeks to develop your oral and written communication skills, critical thinking and teamwork skills.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to

1. Critically discuss the emerging issues, trends, tools and techniques involved in the development and maintenance of modern information collections and services(GC1, GC2)
2. Critically evaluate, through evidence based practice, the principal methods and applications of collection and service development (GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5)
3. Discuss the significance of understanding the diversity of information needs and wants of a community or client, and the key legal and ethical issues, when developing an information service and collection (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC6)
4. Discuss the corporate culture and the business environment as it applies to an information service and collection (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC5, GC7)
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

The unit introduces you to the many issues involved in developing and managing information services and collections to meet a specific community or client group's information need. The techniques for determining the information needs of diverse and ever changing communities or client groups are explored. The challenges associated with the management of an information service and collection are investigated, with attention paid to the rapidly evolving environment resulting from both technological developments and changing user expectations. Current publishing trends and the characteristics of different media producers are investigated in order to understand how the materials may be selected, acquired and used within an information service. Issues relating to the purchase, licensing and retention of print and electronic resources are explored in order to develop an understanding of the changing information environment at both the local and national/international levels. The changing roles of libraries and librarians within different segments of industry are considered to shed light on the changing role of information services, as well as on future resource and training needs for effective service development and delivery. Inter-agency collaboration in resource sharing/purchasing and service delivery arrangements are covered. The financial, legal and ethical dimensions of information service provision are also highlighted. Specific attention is paid to collection evaluation techniques.

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.

The unit's teaching and learning strategies are designed to develop both the theoretical understanding and practical skills required for developing and managing collections and services in an information agency. Lectures, with a number of guest lecturers from different information agencies, cover the theoretical angles of the unit and provide insight into the principal concepts of the unit. Group activities support collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. Reflective practice is applied as a methodology to support a deeper understanding of individual learning experiences and skill development. Dialogue between staff and students is encouraged through ongoing discussion and consultation in class and via email. The Blackboard site provides access to a wide range of core and supplementary teaching and learning resources and where possible readings are distributed via the Course Materials Database (CMD).

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.Written feedback will be provided on formative components of assignments. Summative feedback will be provided through written comments on the Criterion Referenced Assessment grid.

Assessment name: Report
Description: Students will complete a critical analysis and discussion of two collection development policies.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Portfolio
Description: Students will prepare a portfolio of items demonstrating progress towards completion of Assignment 3 (collection development report). Groups of 3
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 9

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Students will develop a collection based upon given funds to meet a specific client or community need. Groups of 3
Relates to objectives: 1-5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 14

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.

Required text
There is no textbook for this unit. Please note that you will be expected to read widely. Recent articles of interest to the subject will be highlighted weekly.

Recommended reading
Recent articles will be brought to your attention via the unit's Blackboard site. Articles that are seminal will also be provided on the Blackboard site.
No extraordinary charges or costs are associated with the requirements of this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no unusual health or safety risks associated with this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within FIT campus areas and laboratories.

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: 24-Oct-2012