LIS-S 501 Information Sources and Services
3 credits
- Prerequisite(s): LIS-S 500, LIS-S 507
- Delivery: Online
- Semesters offered: Fall, Spring, Summer (Check the schedule to confirm.)
Description
This course enables students to identify and evaluate a wide variety of information sources and services. It examines the nature of reference work, human information needs, and information literacy. It includes search principles and techniques in major information retrieval systems as well as generative AI. Provides practice experience in evaluation and use of bibliographic materials, reference interviewing, and in finding answers to real-world questions reflecting the multidisciplinary and multicultural interests and characteristics of library users.
Program Learning Goals Supported
Instructors map their courses to specific LIS Program Goals. Mapped program goals drive the design of each course and what students can expect to generally learn.
- Facilitate engagement in the information ecosystem
- Curate collections for designated communities
- Innovate professional practice with information services and technology
- Examine systemic inequalities to improve library and information practices through equitable and socially just interventions
Learning Outcomes
Instructors develop learning outcomes for their courses. Students can expect to be able to achieve the learning outcomes for a given course after successfully completing the course.
- Evaluate the key functions of the reference process including interpersonal techniques and questioning strategies
- Compare information sources, including online resources, using appropriate criteria
- Formulate search strategies and compose responses to reference questions for users in specific settings
- Handle Readers' Advisory (RA) tools in reference services
- Evaluate the ethics and professional behaviors relevant to reference services
- Validate information literacy in maintaining reference services
- Integrate Generative AI in reference work
- Critique the evolution and growth of reference work
Course Overview
Instruction is in Canvas. Lessons are organized into Modules whose length may vary.
Module 1: Introduction to Reference and Information Services
- Evaluate the history and definition of reference services
- Determine an expanded view of all that reference services entails
Module 2: Using the Internet and AI as Reference Tools
- Assess the strengths and weaknesses of using the Internet for reference
- Critique prompt engineering in AI
- Assess how AI can be used in reference services
Module 3: The Reference Interview and Search Techniques
- Appraise the steps of a reference interview
- Articulate the importance of "negotiating the question" in the reference interview
- Defend the RUSA Guidelines to assess quality reference service
- Evaluate one's current understanding regarding reference services
Module 4: Bibliographic Resources, Encyclopedias, Ready Reference, Dictionaries
- Characterize the benefits of bibliographies and bibliographic control
- Critique the purpose and usefulness of encyclopedias, dictionaries, and ready reference materials
Module 5: Databases & Indexes
- Explain the history of databases and indexes
- Explain the value of indexes even if they don't contain full-text
- Explore IUI Library online resources
Module 6: Law, Business, Health, Geography, Biographical, Government Resources
- Consider resources for providing information in the areas of law, business, health, geography, biographical, and government information
- Critique the purpose and usefulness of resources for diverse fields
Module 7: Reference Outreach
- Explore how librarians can offer programming
- Analyze important sources of book recommendations for use during Readers' Advisory
- Devise habits and strategies to stay informed about books to meet diverse readers' interests
Module 8: Children and Young Adult Reference
- Explain special considerations for providing reference service to young people
- Recommend resources and tools for providing reference service to young people
Module 9: Information Literacy and Managing Resources
- Summarize what information literacy education looks like in academic, school, and public libraries
- Support important aspects of information literacy activities and standards in a chosen library setting
Module 10: Ethics in Reference
- Determine ethical issues related to reference services
- Summarize the ALA Code of Ethics and Library Bill of Rights
- Apply the ALA Code of Ethics and Library Bill of Rights to situations that arise in reference services
Module 11: Future of Reference
- Critique how reference work is changing both now and in the future
- Determine future competencies for the profession
Policies and Procedures
Please be aware of the following linked policies and procedures. Note that in individual courses instructors will have stipulations specific to their course.