INFO 544 – Online Searching
| Points: | 15 | Prerequisites: | None |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faculty: | Commerce & Administ | Corequisites: | None |
| School: | Information Management | Restrictions: | LIBR 524, INFO 524 |
Searching and information services in the online environment, including both the free Internet environment and subscription databases.
Tuition Fees
2012:
domestic $1,098.00 
international $3,075.00
Trimester 3 2012
* indicates instructor is the course coordinator.
| CRN | From/To | Days | Time | Building [Campus] | Room | Instructor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11241 | 19 Nov - 24 Feb 2013 | [Distance (NZ)] | ||||
Course description
INFO 544, Advanced Reference Services, focuses on users and their information needs, and ways in which information services can assist in resolving these needs. It covers advanced searching skills in the online environment, and the provision of user services in the online environment, particularly virtual reference.
Please note we recommend that you complete the core course INFO 523 before taking this elective as part of the MIS or PGCert/DipIS.
Introduction to INFO 544
INFO 544 focuses on advancing your knowledge of reference and information work gained in INFO 523, Information Sources and Client Services. INFO 544 covers more advanced online searching skills and virtual reference services.
We will explore advanced online searching skills and strategies, using using both subscription databases and Web search engines as examples. We discuss how to evaluate search results, and database platforms. We also investigate searching for information in some specific areas not covered elsewhere in the LIM programmes: Government, statistical, and scientific and technical information. We will also explore issues in the implementation of virtual reference services.
Learning objectives
By the end of INFO 544, students should be able to:
- Exploit the full range of features available to carry out searches on the Internet and subscription databases
- Carry out searches using effective strategies and tactics
- Evaluate and compare search platforms
- Critically evaluate a search result and the information retrieved
- Understand the structure and sources of information in the specialist subject areas of government, statistical, and scientific and technical information.
- Understand issues in the implementation and evaluation of virtual reference services.
Schedule (2011)
INFO 544 will be held in the third trimester (November 2011-February 2012) of the 2011 academic year. There will be no classes during the mid-term break (19 December-8 January).- Internal students (updated 15/9/11)
There will be a seminar on Tuesdays (from 9.30 a.m.-11.20 p.m.) in the Railway Building, Lecture Room RWW 129. - Distance students
The weekly Internet conference sessions will be held on Tuesdays from 5.00-6.30 p.m.
| Week | Topic |
| 1 | Search techniques using database structure and controlled vocabulary |
| 2 | Search strategy |
| 3 | Citation databases |
| 4 | Evaluation of search results |
| 5 | Evaluation of search platforms |
|
Mid-trimester break |
|
| 6 | Web searching |
| 7 | SciTech information |
| 8 | Government information |
| 9 | Statistical information |
| 10 | Virtual reference: Research and standards |
| 11 | Virtual reference: Case study of AnyQuestions |
Assessment (TBC)
INFO 544 is internally assessed, with the following assignments to be completed in order to satisfy the mandatory course requirements. Full details, including explanatory notes and criteria, are available under “Assessment” on Blackboard.
|
Assignment |
Date due |
Value |
|
1. Weekly assessment: practical exercises & tests |
Monday following each week |
20% in total |
|
2. Annotated online search (about 1500 words) |
tbc |
40% |
|
3. Presentation on a topic relating to the weekly module (5 minute presentation and two A4 page handout) |
Wednesday of the week to which your topic relates |
40% |