IMS5016 Information Access , Unit Information Guide (Semester 1, 2006)

This unit introduces students to the major categories of information resources in all media and how they may be accessed through a variety of common user interfaces. Consideration is given to the provision of reference and information services in a variety of library settings, and to the information needs and seeking behaviour of different user groups. The process of satisfying these needs either through the reference interview and the application of skilled search strategies or the provision of online instruction is explored.

The ways that information resources are procured by libraries through purchase or licensing, and supplied to users on a cost-effective, efficient basis are examined. The unit covers the conduct and policy of the selection, purchase, and licensing functions of libraries; the management of collections; provision of lending, document supply and photocopying services; preservation of resources; and the impact of co-operative frameworks such as reciprocal borrowing and co-operative last-copy stores. The unit explores the emergent concept of the virtual library, through which eligible users should be able to gain access to any information whether currently in analogue or digital form, wherever held, aided by a common user interface for identifying and requesting appropriate information items.

At the completion of this unit students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the provision of reference and information services in libraries and the procurement of information resources including:

C1. Major categories of information resources in all media; and the concept of the virtual library, and issues affecting its realisation.

C2. How libraries identify and evaluate sources for procurement of information resources of all sorts; select specific information resources for purchase or licensing; conduct purchasing/ licensing negotiations and transactions; receive and accession acquired items (including pre-cataloguing); and assign such items to particular locations in the collection; install and/or arrange appropriate networked access for users in the case of electronic resources.

C3. The main reasons for the development and implementation of collection management plans so as to keep all aspects of the library's information provision optimal, using where appropriate, co-operative frameworks.

C4. How libraries provide users with access to the resources of collaborating libraries or document vendors through reciprocal borrowing and document supply arrangements.

A1. Confidence in their ability to assess user needs, and understand the factors affecting user behaviour in a variety of library settings.

A2. Appreciation of the range of user approaches to knowledge sources, and the intricacies of managing them.

P1. Demonstrate effective strategies for searching a variety of core electronic information products using common interfaces where provided.

P2. Demonstrate when and how to use the reference interview to satisfy requests for information.

P3. Be able to justify the selection of specific items into a repository.

P4. Develop a rational and effective management policy

P5. Be able to implement policies for analog and digital collections

S1. How libraries undertake the reference interview and engage with their users.

S2. Value to the importance of institutional co-operation and collaborations.

IMS9049 or equivalent

Basic IT and communication competencies, tools for information seeking, storage, packaging and delivery

IMS9049 or equivalent

Basic IT and communication competencies, tools for information seeking, storage, packaging and delivery

Required text(s)

Text books are available from the Monash University Book Shops. Availability from other suppliers cannot be assured. The Bookshop orders texts in specifically for this unit. You are advised to purchase your text book early.

Software requirements:

Available in computer labs

Hardware requirements:

Students studying off-campus are required to have the minimum system configuration specified by the faculty as a condition of accepting admission, and regular Internet access. On-campus students, and those studying at supported study locations may use the facilities available in the computing labs. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook. You will need to allocate up to 8 hours per week for use of a computer, including time for newsgroups/discussion groups.

See the reading list for this subject in the Monash Library: http://library.monash.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=1&ti=1,1&SAB1=IMS5016&BOOL1=all%20of%20these&FLD1=Keyword%20Anywhere%20%28GKEY%29&CNT=20&PID=2720&SEQ=20060216103245&SID=1

Study resources for IMS5016 are:

See: 1.unit wesbite. 2.Monash University Lectures Online. See: http://www.mulo.monash.edu.au/fac-infotech.html. 3.discussion group. 4.http://library.monash.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=1&ti=1,1&SAB1=IMS5016&BOOL1=all%20of%20these&FLD1=Keyword%20Anywhere%20%28GKEY%29&CNT=20&PID=2720&SEQ=20060216103245&SID=1

The timetable for on-campus classes for this unit can be viewed in Allocate+

Assessment for the unit consists of an assignment with a weighting of 50%, and an examination with a weighting of 50%.

To pass this unit you must:

conform to the assessment criteria

Your score for the unit will be calculated by:

Students frequently want to know how they are evaluated in written assignments. These guides are used by staff: 1. is (are) the set assignment question(s) answered by the student? 2. are the key concepts understood? 3. are the aims in the student submission set out clearly by the student? 4. are the aims fulfilled, i.e., followed through? 5. are all the relevant sources of knowledge used and understood? 6. has understanding of the topic been demonstrated? Are there gaps? 7. is any of the work original, special or original to the student, i.e., is it any more than just fulfilling the basic requirements? 8. is the submission structured in a logical, understandable way? 9. have up-to-date sources of information used, and acknowledged fully and correctly according to the set Style Guide? 10. is the communication succinct, relevant, and useful? Is the length, space well used? Is it comprehensive, covering all the important aspects than can be fitted in? 11. has a lot of well-directed effort gone into the submission? 12. is the argument, or theme, of the submission realistic, sustainable intellectually? 13. is it all the student’s own work? 14. does the student make a genuine effort to engage the reader, observer, listener, marker, examiner? 15. is the value, worth, purpose, usefulness of the submission justified well by the student? 16. is the content balanced, professional, unbiased, substantiated with reliable, accurate evidence? 17. is the form of submission timely and appropriate to the context of the presentation? 18. is the argument in the submission internally consistent? 19. is the student aware of the limitations of the submission, and topic? 20. is the reader, observer, listener, marker, examiner guided through the structure of the submission by the student?

Assessment Requirements

Assignment specifications will be made available on the unit website. Information about assignments will be published on the Unit's Notices Newsgroup.

Standards for presentation. All printed assignment work must be word processed and meet the standards set out in the assignment. Refer also to the School of Information Management and Systems guidelines for writing assignments for additional information on presentation standards: http://www.sims.monash.edu.au/resources/style.html. All assignments must include an appropriate signed SIMS assignment cover page. See the SIMS web site for downloadable (PDF) copies of SIMS assignment cover pages http://www.sims.monash.edu.au/resources/assessment.html. Submission of assignments. Assignments should be submitted to the tutor during your allocated tutorial, or sent to the lecturer by post or fax, to arrive by the due date, to Dr Graeme Johanson as follows: Dr. Graeme Johanson, Unit co-ordinator IMS5016/IMS3616, Caulfield School of Information Tedchnology, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University. P.O.Box 197, Caulfield East, Victoria 3145, Australia. Fax: 9903 1077 Return of assignments. Assignments will either be returned in specified tutorials or lectures during semester. OCL students assignments will be posted back to them. Please include a stamped, addressed envelope. Every effort will be made to mark assignments as fast as possible, to facilitate feedback to you.

Late submission of assignments

Extensions. If you believe that your assignment will be delayed because of circumstances beyond your control such as illness, you should apply for an extension prior to the due date. All applications for extensions must be made in writing (or e-mail) to your lecturer, and a response to your request will be communicated back to you in the same manner. No extensions are automatic. Every one will be dealt with individually. Andrew Dixon will refer requests to Graeme Johanson, the subject co-ordinator. Medical certificates or other supporting documentation will be required. Late assignments submitted without an approved extension may be accepted up to one week late, at the discretion of your lecturer, but will be penalised at the rate of 10% of total assignment marks per day (including weekends). Example: Total marks available for the assignment = 100 marks. Marks received for the assignment = 70 marks. Marks deducted for 2 days late submission (20% of 100) = 20 marks. Final mark received for assignment = 50 marks. After one week, the assignment will score zero.

This policy is strict because comments or guidance will be given on assignments as they are returned, and sample solutions may also be published and distributed, after assignment marking or with the returned assignment. 

Extensions

It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. 

Extensions. If you believe that your assignment will be delayed because of circumstances beyond your control such as illness, you should apply for an extension prior to the due date. All applications for extensions must be made in writing (or e-mail) to your lecturer, and a response to your request will be communicated back to you in the same manner. No extensions are automatic. Every one will be dealt with individually. Andrew Dixon will refer requests to Graeme Johanson, the subject co-ordinator. Medical certificates or other supporting documentation will be required. Late assignments submitted without an approved extension may be accepted up to one week late, at the discretion of your lecturer, but will be penalised at the rate of 10% of total assignment marks per day (including weekends). Example: Total marks available for the assignment = 100 marks. Marks received for the assignment = 70 marks. Marks deducted for 2 days late submission (20% of 100) = 20 marks. Final mark received for assignment = 50 marks. After one week, the assignment will score zero.

Grading of assessment

Assignments, and the unit, will be marked and allocated a grade according to the following scale:

We will aim to have assignment results made available to you soon after assignment receipt.

You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This feedback may be provided through your participation in tutorials and class discussions, as well as through your assignment submissions. It may come in the form of individual advice, marks and comments, or it may be provided as comment or reflection targeted at the group. It may be provided through personal interactions, such as interviews and on-line forums, or through other mechanisms such as on-line self-tests and publication of grade distributions.

You will be asked to provide feedback to the Faculty through a Unit Evaluation survey at the end of the semester. You may also be asked to complete surveys to help teaching staff improve the unit and unit delivery. Your input to such surveys is very important to the faculty and the teaching staff in maintaining relevant and high quality learning experiences for our students.

It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem with your study. The semester is short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.

Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating  has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases.

In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work. 

When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer. 

Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible.

Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage.

Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.

e-mail to Lecturer: Graeme.Johanson@infotech.monash edu au or tutor: Andrew.dixon@lib.monash.edu.au

Notices related to the unit during the semester will be placed on the Unit Website. Announcements will be made regularly in class, audio-streamed on MULO, at: http://www.mulo.monash.edu.au/fac-infotech.html.

Consultation Times

E-mail the staff

If direct communication with your unit adviser/lecturer or tutor outside of consultation periods is needed you may contact the lecturer and/or tutors at:

Dr Graeme Johanson
Director
Phone +61 3 990 32414
Fax +61 3 8622 8999

This person's profile is not available.

Mr Andrew Dixon
Subject Librarian IT & Marketing
Phone +61 3 990 32523
Fax +61 3 9903 1439

This person's profile is not available.

All email communication to you from your lecturer will occur through your Monash student email address. Please ensure that you read it regularly, or forward your email to your main address. Also check that your contact information registered with the University is up to date in My.Monash.