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

In the current information rich and technologically driven world the ability to organise information for effective and efficient access is vital for both individuals and organisations. In this unit you will critically consider the issues and challenges associated with organising information in all forms, to facilitate its access and retrieval for a specific client or community. The unit provides an introduction to the standards and practice of metadata, resource description (cataloguing) and classification, and their application for different user needs and contexts, such as: text database services, libraries of different types, including school libraries, information services, document management, content management and recordkeeping systems. In particular the unit will focus on the development and management of bibliographic databases.

Aims

To develop an understanding of the principles and practices of information organisation as applied to description and classification of information in a range of formats utilised in different contexts.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1. Understand and apply knowledge of contemporary issues in the organisation of information. (GC1, GC6)


2. Understand and apply standards to database construction, including strategies for information organisation: description and classification. (GC1, GC2)


3. Critically evaluate a variety of databases, including bibliographic, picture and others. (GC1, GC2)


4. Construct a bibliographic database to meet the specific information organisation and access needs of a client or community. (GC1, GC2)


5. Understand the significance of independent continuous learning, and apply this to productive independent work. (GC4, GC5)


6. Carry out critical, reflective and creative thinking and evaluation. (GC2)

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 principles and strategies for organising information. This is carried out by examining the nature of information; information and resource description (cataloguing); theory and practice of classification; standards for information description and metadata; and the structure of databases and records that are used in them. These are applied in different contexts including databases, library catalogues, recordkeeping systems, inventories, and content and document management systems. You will develop familiarity with the tools that are used to support information description and improve information quality such as metadata standards, thesauri, resource description and cataloguing rules, classification schemes and authority files. You will have a chance to use these in constructing a database. You will evaluate a range of databases that appeal to you, as well as construct a prototype that is most relevant to your field of interest.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit is designed to foster your ability to solve typical problems in the area of information organisation at a beginning professional level. The unit is offered in both internal and external learning mode. 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. 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 organisation of information. Guest lecturers will discuss the role they play as information specialists responsible for information organisation in their own contexts. There is also the opportunity to undertake self-directed learning via the Blackboard site. You are expected to participate in the learning experience by participating in all classes, and by undertaking a wide variety of reading.

Assessment

Class activities will provide a balanced focus on theory and the practical aspects of organising information and will work towards the completion of assessment items. The assessment items have been designed to provide you with a scaffolded learning experience. The assessment is the same for both internal and external students. You will receive regular feedback - both formal and informal - throughout the semester on your performance. Assignments are designed to include both formative and summative elements. You are encouraged to approach the unit teaching staff for assistance or clarification at anytime during the semester. Detailed assignment marking criteria will be supplied. The marking of assignments will focus on providing you with feedback on the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your written work. Unit 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.You will receive regular feedback - both formal and informal - throughout the semester on your performance. Assignments are designed to include both formative and summative elements. You are encouraged to approach the unit teaching staff for assistance or clarification at anytime during the semester. Detailed assignment marking criteria will be supplied. The marking of assignments will focus on providing you with feedback on the quality of your intellectual content and on the format and construction of your written work. Unit 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: Report
Description: Conduct a user experience evaluation of a database or information system.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: Design and develop a database.
Due Date: Various dates throughout the semester with final submission in Week 13.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Various

Assessment name: Workbook
Description: Over the course of the semester, you will complete a variety of online learning activities. You will provide evidence of completion and a critical reflection on each task on your personal blog.
Due Date: Various dates through the semester with final submission in Week 14.
Relates to objectives: 1-6
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Various

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

Recommended Textbook
Harvey, D.R., and Hider, P. (2008). Organising knowledge in a global society: principles and practice in libraries and information centres. Revised edition. Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia: CSU Centre for Information Studies., is used as a text; reference will also be made to a variety of online and print tools and readings.

Recommended readings
Recommend readings will be provided throughout the semester and will be available via the Course Material Database (CMD).

Risk assessment statement

This is minimal health and safety risk in this unit. It is your responsibility to familiarise yourself with the Health and Safety policies and procedures applicable within 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: 08-May-2012