ILS504 - Reference & Information Resources and Services

ILS504 Reference & Information Resources and Services
Dr. Elsie A. Okobi
Spring 2009

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Catalog Description

General reference sources, print and electronic; their content, evaluation, and use. The reference process and the organization of reference and information services in traditional and virtual settings as they relate to different types of libraries.

Learning Goals and Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Discuss the history and development of reference service;
• Understand the organization of information for access;
• Analyze patron's information need by conducting reference interviews and provide relevant resources to satisfy the patron's information need;
• Develop the ability to use and critically evaluate reference materials in all formats and to select suitable sources for specific library uses;
• Demonstrate the basic skills for electronic searching, including search techniques and strategies;
• Answer questions using electronic and print resources;
• Use Internet resources to satisfy users' information needs;
• Use electronic communication channels with classmates and other reference discussion groups.

Required Texts

• Bopp, R., & Smith, L. C. (Eds). (2001). Reference and information services: an introduction. (3rd ed.). Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited. ISBN: 1563086247
• Cassell, K., & Hiremath, U. (2004). Reference and information services in the 21st century. New York: Neal-Schuman. ISBN: 1555705634
• Katz, W. A. (2002). Introduction to reference work. (Vol. 1). (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 0072441070