FIT5105 - Information access

Leader(s): Graeme Johanson

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2009 (Day)
Caulfield First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

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 information 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 information repositories 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 repositories; 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.

This unit introduces students to the major categories of information resources in all media and how they are accessed through a variety of common user interfaces from anywhere in the world. The process of satisfying these needs through the reference interview and the application of skilled search strategies is explored. The ways that information resources are procured by libraries and e-repositories through purchase or licensing, and supplied to users on a cost-effective, efficient basis are examined. Access and authentication, intellectual property law and professional duty of care are described.

Objectives

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Implement decisions about applying organisational policies for reference and collection services, justify the principles of collection management strategies, and evaluate them;
2. Manage networked access for users in the case of electronic resources;
3. Develop information literacy programs; and
4. Select the best source of knowledge for a practical information need

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%; Assignments: 50%

Contact hours

Lectures: 2hrs/week, tutorial/labs: 1hr/week

Prohibitions

IMS3616, IMS5016, FIT3123

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit5105/