COT1800

Public networks

Lecturer to be advised

6 points
* 4 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: COT1700

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the function and use of several network interrogation tools; perform retrieval and basic manipulation of several different file types commonly found on the networks; discuss the role of information sourced from the networks and its application to information management; and demonstrate knowledge of issues associated with public networks.

Synopsis This subject familiarises students with public research networks such as AARNet and Internet. Students will be made aware of a range of data sources available through the networks, along with knowledge of a variety of tools for accessing this information. Students will gain an understanding of basic principles of text retrieval techniques, and achieve an appreciation of how these are applied to the research network information. Management of digital artefacts will be discussed, and manipulation of these at local machine level will be practised. The use of stand-alone and networked CD-ROM databases will provide further instances of general access databases and text retrieval issues. Possible future developments will be discussed.

Assessment Examination (2 hours): 70%
* Assignment: 15%
* Practical work: 15%

Prescribed texts

Krol E The whole Internet: User's guide and catalog O'Reilly, 1992

Recommended texts

Hahn H and Stour R The Internet complete reference Osborne, 1994
Lane E and Summerhill C An Internet primer for information professional: A basic guide to Internet networking technology Meckler, 1992
Tennant R and others Crossing the Internet threshold: An instructional handbook Library Solutions, 1993