Mary Anne Golda,
Instructor
magolda@providenceathenaeum.org
cell phone: 401.465.3662
Course Description
This is a survey course where we will explore the many facets of technical services including acquisitions, organization of materials, systems, serials, digital collections, and conservation/preservation. We will identify the codes and standards applicable to technical services and provide a foundation of knowledge resources for your continued exploration. A management perspective will be applied to all of the topics.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course you should:
- Understand the general principles, theories and responsibilities of technical services librarians
- Obtain knowledge of the practical activities in technical services departments
- Understand the professional ethics involved with technical services including copyright, selection policies, intellectual property, and confidentiality of library records
- Understand the scope of technological knowledge needed in technical services
- Build project management skills
Required Text
Intner, Sheila S., & Johnson, Peggy. (2008) Fundamentals of Technical Services Management. Chicago, IL: American Library Association.
Assignments and
Evaluation
Each student will be required to write 6 annotations, 2-3 pages in length, on each of the topics we discuss online. You may choose an article, website, book, or blog on each of the topics. Whatever you choose, you will need to explain why it is a legitimate resource and whether or not you would recommend it. We will be building an e- bibliography of valuable tech resources. This will comprise 40% of your grade.
During our 7th class meeting we will form groups of 3 or 4 and choose final project topics. These will be Òreal worldÓ scenarios that you will find solutions for and prepare reports as if they were to be presented in a library organization. Each student will be expected to present their piece of the project to the class and to turn in a written report. This will comprise another 40% of your grade. Your participation in the discussions and what you bring to the course will make up the final 20% of your grade.
Class Calendar
Session 1, January 26, in the classroom
- Introductions, expectations, how we will proceed
- Components of Technical Services, introduced
Session 2, February 2, in the classroom
- Discussion of the first 4 chapters of the required text
- What makes a good tech services librarian?
Session 3, February 9, in the classroom
- Discussion of chapters 5, 6, 8, & 9 in the required text
Session 4, February 16, online
- Discussion topic is Acquisitions – ALA/ALCTS bibliography http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/resources/collect/acq/acquisitions.cfm
Session 5, February 23, online
- Discussion topic is Organization of Materials – ALA/ALCTS again: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alcts/resources/collect/acq/acquisitions.cfm
- RDA: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/jsc/rdaprospectus.html
Session 6, March 2, online
- Discussion topic is Library Systems – Marshall BreedingÕs Chart: http://www.librarytechnology.org/automationhistory.pl
Session 7, March 9, in the classroom
- Group formations and final project selections
Session 8, March 23, online
- Discussion topic is Serials – Qualities of a good serials librarian: http://www.nasig.org/resources_specialist.cfm
Session 9, March 30, online
- Discussion topic is Digital Collections – Chapter 7 of Intner and Digital Library Federation: http://www.diglib.org/
Session 10, April 6, online
- Discussion topic is Preservation/Conservation – NEDCC: http://www.nedcc.org/home.php
Session 11, 12, 13 (April 13, 20, and 27) in the classroom
- Class Presentations – minimum of 10 minutes per person
General Information
This syllabus is a proposal of course direction. If any modifications are made you will receive advance notification.
Attendance will be noted. If you are unable to attend a session please let me know in advance.
If classes are canceled due to inclement weather every effort will be made to notify you.
Resources consulted for this course will be checked for plagiarism. Be prepared to defend your writing.
Students with disabilities need to contact me as early as possible to arrange accommodations. They should also contact Disability Services in the Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, 401.874.2098.