IMS5016

Information resources: acquisition and access

Offered subject to approval

G Johanson

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Caulfield - Distance education - Prerequisites: IMS9023 or equivalent, and IMS9049 or equivalent - Prohibition: LAR3650

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the major categories of information resources in all media, the concept of the virtual library, and issues affecting its realisation. They should also be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how libraries keep all aspects of the library's information provision optimal, through development and implementation of an information resources management plan using, where appropriate, frameworks such as the RLG Conspectus methodology, the Distributed National Collection, and cooperative last-copy storage, with provision for preservation of materials and disaster recovery; They should be able to administer acquisitions/licensing budgets; identify and evaluate sources for procurement of information resources; 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. They should be able to install and/or arrange appropriate networked access for users in the case of electronic resources; manage the public areas of the library and information repository in ways which are effective, comfortable, secure and safe for all users and staff; provide remote on-line across to the widest possible range of library resources and services; communicate with users through well-designed publicity materials and exhibitions; conduct lending/access operations (including reprographic services) in ways which maximise user satisfaction, ensure the security and preservation of collected items; and conform to copyright law or licensing contracts; and provide users with access to the resources of collaborating libraries or document vendors though reciprocal borrowing and document supply arrangements.

Synopsis This subject focuses on the logistics of library services - how appropriate information resources are procured by libraries through purchase or licensing, and supplied to users on a cost-effective basis. It examines the conduct of the selection, purchase, and licensing functions of libraries; the management of collections and of library venues; provision of lending, document supply and photocopying services; and the impact of cooperative or methodological frameworks such as reciprocal borrowing, cooperative last-copy stores, Conspectus methodology, and the Distributed National Collection. The subject 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. It also systematically introduces students to the major categories of information resources in all media, and typical sources of supply.

Assessment Investigative report (3000 words): 30% - Project essay (3000 words): 30% - Written test: 40%

Recommended texts

Gorman G E and Kennedy J Collection development for Australian libraries Centre for Information Studies, Charles Sturt University, 1995

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