INFO 5530

Info Sources, Serv & Retrieval

Lec 01 selected

Offers both a theoretical and a practical introduction to information services. Discusses users and their information-seeking behaviours, major categories of reference resources and how best to match appropriate resources to the user via effective reference interviews. Explores evaluation techniques and uses of reference resources in various formats. Includes strategies of online searching both in specialized databases and the Web.

Sections

Lecture

From the syllabus

From the Fall 2024 syllabus by Lindsay McNiff. Open the PDF

Grading

10%Informational interviewSuggested due Sept. 17
20%Reference questions assignmentDue Oct. 8
30%LibGuide assignmentIncludes group charter, project, and evaluations
30%Search planDue Nov. 26
10%ParticipationIncludes attendance and in-class activities

Textbook

  • Reference and information services: An introduction (6th ed.), M.A. Wong and L. Saunders (free)

Course rules

Attendance
Attendance is required and contributes to the participation grade; missed-class participation can be made up through reading-board comments.
Late work
Late assignments lose 5% per day, including weekends; work is normally not accepted seven or more days late.
Flex days
Each student has two flex days for assignments, but they cannot be used for the LibGuide assignment.
AI tools
AI tools are allowed, but students must acknowledge their use and remain responsible for submitted work.
30-minute exercises
Three reference-question quizzes are ungraded practice; submitting answers counts toward participation.
Citations
Use APA style unless the instructor gives alternative written instructions.

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