LIBR 56: Computers in Libraries

Course Content: This course explores the functions of computers in libraries: how computers are used, how they work, and how automation impacts library services. Students will study the basic components of Integrated Library Systems, how to analyze library processes, and how automation affects library technicians and users.

Prerequisite: LIBR 51: Introduction to the Use of Libraries. It is presumed that you are already quite familiar with the material covered in LIBR 51, including the general functions of libraries, how online public access catalogs work, search strategies for periodical indexes and the Web, and how to conduct library research. If you have not completed LIBR 51 but are familiar with these topics through library experience please speak to me regarding taking this course.

Attendance: This course meets once per week: Tuesdays 11am-2pm. If you are absent for more than two class meetings, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Readings: The following textbook is required for this course. It is available at the bookstore. There is also a copy on reserve at Rosenberg Library.

Wilson, Katie. Computers in Libraries: An introduction for library technicians. New York: Hayworth Information Press, 2006.

There is another book recommended for this course:

Burke, John J. Neal-Schuman Library Technology Companion: A basic guide for library staff. Second Ed. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 2006.

Supplemental readings are available on the Web or on reserve at Rosenberg Library. See Class Calendar below.

Tests: There will be a midterm and a final exam.

Homework Assignments: You must turn in the assignments on time in order to get credit. No credit for late work. If you fail to turn in two homework assignments, you may be withdrawn from the course.

Grading Policies:
Homework: 25%
Paper: 25%
Midterm: 25%
Final: 25%

A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 59 and below

Class Calendar

1. August 19
Tyson, Jeff. "How PCs work: Introduction to how PCs work" How Stuff Works. January 15, 2007
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
Tyson, Jeff. "How PCs work: From Power-up to Shut-down" How Stuff Works. January 15, 2007
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc1.htm

2. August 26
Burke. Chapter 1. The History of Information Technology in Libraries.
Jelen, Tom and Russ King with Michael Schrecker. "What is a network?" Web Junction. January 24, 2007
http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=929
"What is ASCII?" Webopedia Computer Dictionary. January 24, 2007.
http://webopedia.com/TERM/A/ASCII.html
"Binary Codes - The mathematical language spoken by computers." The Problem Site. January 24, 2007.
http://theproblemsite.com/codes/binary.asp

3. Septermber2 Turn in Homework 1
Burke. Chapter 5. Computer Networks in Libraries: The Internet, Modems, WiFi, and E-mail
"What is a Unicode?" Unicode, Inc. September 6, 2007
http://unicode.org/standard/WhatIsUnicode.html

4. September 9
Burke. Chapter 14. When Things Fall Apart: Troubleshooting tips for everyday use.
Smith, Paul. "Plagiarism." September 6, 2007. http://virtual.yosemite.cc.ca.us/bhutchison/online/plagiarism.htm

5. September 16
Burke. Chapter 6. Software for Libraries: Library systems, open source, and office applications.
Melton, Beth. Databases: Access terminology and relational database concepts. April 25, 2007.
http://pubs.logicalexpressions.com/Pub0009/LPMArticle.asp?ID=73

6. September 23
Wilson. Chapter 4. Acquisitions.
Open-ILS.org: Home of the Evergreen ILS. May 16, 2007.
http://open-ils.org/

7. September 30 Turn in Homework 2
Wilson. Chapter 5. Cataloging.
About Scriblio.
http://about.scriblio.net/

8. October 7
Wilson. Chapter 6. Circulation.
CCSF "Outline of Training for Catalog Maintenance."

9. October 14 Midterm Exam
Wilson. Chapter 7. Serials.

10. October 21
Wilson. Chapter 8. The Online Public Access Catalog.
Libary Success: A Best Practices Wiki. May 9, 2007.
http://www.libsuccess.org/

11. October 28 Turn in Homework 3
Wilson. Chapter 9. Resource Sharing.
"Libraries Using IM Reference: California" Library Success: A best practices wiki. April 11, 2007
http://www.libsuccess.org/index.php?title=Libraries_Using_IM_Reference#California

12. November 4
Burke. Chapter 8. Library Databases and Electronic Resources: Full-text periodicals, e-books, and e-reference collections.
Federated Searching (WebFeat) at San Francisco Public Library. http://search3.webfeat.org/sfpladvsearch.html

13. November 11 Turn in Homework 4 and Paper Proposals
Wilson. Chapter 10. Information Searching.

14. November 18
Burke. Chapter 10. Universal Design and Adaptive/Assistive Technology: Meeting and supporting patron technology needs.

15. November 25
Burke. Chapter 11. Virtual Reference, Blogs, and Usability: Library Web sites and Web services.
Universal Design Principles. http://design.ncsu.edu/cud/about_ud/udprincipleshtmlformat.html

16. December 2 Turn in Homework 5
Burke. Chapter 13. Spam, Spyware, and Security Strips: Protecting library technology and users.

17. December 9 Turn in Paper
Palopoli, Steve. “The YouYube Democracy.” Metro Silicon Valley [San Jose, CA]. 5-11 November 2008. 9 December 2008. <http://www.metroactive.com/metro/11.05.08/cover-youtube-0845.html>.

18. December 17, 10:30am-12:30pm Final Exam