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 web search engines. Provides practice experience in evaluation and use of bibliographic materials, reference interviewing, and search techniques, 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.
- Connect Core Values and Professional Ethics to Practice
- Facilitate Engagement in the Information Ecosystem
- 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 and evaluate information sources, including online resources, using appropriate criteria.
- Formulate search strategies and compose responses to reference questions for users in specific settings.
- Adapt reference services, resources, and spaces to meet the evolving needs and expectations of patrons due to technology, trends, and other influences.
- Discuss the ethics and professional behaviors relevant to reference services and evaluate their use in library settings.
- Design an annotated bibliography for a specific audience using a variety of formats.
- Reflect on one’s own professional knowledge and knowledge creation.
- Build professional relationships with peers by sharing resources and ideas, discussing issues, and evaluating the work of others.
Course Overview
Instruction is in Canvas. Lessons are organized into Modules whose length may vary.
Module 1: Intro to Reference
- Course and course materials
- Introductions
- History and definition of reference services
- Facets of reference service
Module 2: The Reference Interview
- Steps of a reference interview
- Negotiating the question
- RUSA Guidelines for Behavioral Performance of Reference and Information Service Providers
- Metacognitive reflection
Module 3: Ethics in Reference
- Ethical issues in reference services
- ALA Code of Ethics
- Library Bill of Rights
Module 4: Basic Search Techniques
- Steps of "finding the answer"
- Basic searching techniques
- Searching tools: WorldCat, LibGuides, Subject Headings, and others
Module 5: Using Internet as the Primary Reference Tool
- When to use the internet as a reference tool
- Artificial intelligence and ChatGPT
- Topic for annotated bibliography
Module 6: Bibliographic Resources
- Bibliographies
- Bibliographic control
Module 7: Encyclopedias; Ready Reference; Dictionaries
- Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and ready reference materials
- Virtual reference services
Module 8: Databases and Indexes
- History of databases and indexes
- Value of indexes
- Examples of databases and indexes
- Citations and annotations for annotated bibliography
Module 9: Law and Business; Health Resources
- Information sources for law, business and health
- Special considerations when providing information in these areas
- Models of reference services
- Metacognitive reflection
Module 10: Geography; Biographical; Government Information
- Information sources for geography, biography, and government information
- Evaluating digital reference tools
Module 11: Readers’ Advisory
- Sources for Readers' Advisory
- Habits and strategies to stay informed
Module 12: Children and Young Adult Reference
- Special considerations for providing reference service to young people
- Sources for children and young adult reference
Module 13: Questions for Final Project
- Finalize annotated bibliography
- Review peers' annotated bibliographies
Module 14: Information Literacy in Reference
- IL in academic libraries
- IL in public libraries
- IL in school libraries
Module 15: Future of Reference
- How reference work is changing
- Metacognitive reflection
- Annotated bibliography as artifact
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.