- To develop an understanding of the environment in which academic libraries exist.
- To define the role of the academic library and librarian.
- To examine academic library organization and services and concomitant problems.
- To provide experience in developing an instructional program for an academic library.
- To provide for in-depth investigation of a current issue or problem related to higher education or academic libraries.
- To examine changes and trends occurring in academic libraries.
PROJECTS AND EVALUATION
READINGS
It is understood that it is not possible to cover all of the readings listed. However, you are expected to have read sufficiently to be an informed participant in the consideration of the various topics in class. Also, the readings listed by no means represent complete coverage of the topics. You are free to pursue alternate readings. An "*" preceding the entry on the bibliography indicates that that the item is on reserve in the Hagerty Library.
For several of the topics readings have been listed which pertain to either university, college, or community college libraries. You will probably want to read in only one of these areas.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
Active participation in the consideration of the various topical discussions in the class is seen as an essential part of the learning process. It is also good practice for when you assume your role as a professional in an organization. The amount and quality of your participation will account for 10% of your grade in the course.
PROJECTS
There are three required projects for the course.
- Develop a proposal for a library or bibliographic use instruction unit on a topic of your choice. Included in the unit should be the following. (40%)
- A description of the type of library in which it will be used.
- A description of the group for which it is intended.
- Rationale--why it is needed.
- Behavioral objectives for the unit.
- A topical outline of the content of the unit.
- The methods of presentation to be used.
- The methods to be used in evaluating the progress of the group.
- The methods to be used in evaluating the success of the unit.
- Resources required and approximate budget.
Several of the items listed Section VI of the "Course Outline" should be of help in beginning this project. In addition, there is a lot of material in the literature, both monographs and journal articles. However, don't just mimic one example. Use your imagination!
- Based on a review of the literature, or other appropriate data-gathering procedures, write a state of the art paper on a current topic in higher education and/or academic libraries which is of interest to you. Check your topic with me before you begin work on the project. The final product should be in the neighborhood of ten to fifteen pages. It will be evaluated on the following: (40%)
- Completeness of content
- Documentation
- Style and format
- A short review of an Internet discussion group relevant to an academic library or higher education topic of interest to you. (10%)