LAR2006/LAR3006

Electronic information sources

F Morrissey

4 points
* 3 hours per week
* First or second semester
* Clayton

Objectives After completing this subject students should have an understanding of a wide range of electronic information sources and service providers in the area of business information and a knowledge of their arrangement, contents, and delivery mechanisms, how to use them efficiently and economically, and some criteria for critically evaluating their contents and search engines; the ability to utilise electronic sources in ways that support end-user and organisational needs, ranging from supporting end-user access to manipulating and repackaging information into business information systems (such as executive information systems) or appropriate value-added formats; and an awareness of policy and infrastructure requirements associated with accessing electronic information, including licensing and copyright.

Synopsis This subject will introduce students to a wide range of electronic information sources available from WWW, online host services and CD-ROMs and how they may be used to support end-user requirements and an organisation's activities, using provision of business information as an example. The sources covered will include online and CD-ROM databases, WorldWideWeb, statistical, economic and financial sources, electronic newspapers and electronic journals, and geographic information systems. The subject will cover a topical approach to business information; searching strategies; delivery mechanisms; critical evaluation of different services; the notion of value-added information products (including practical exercises in creating value-added formats); awareness and assessment of user needs; and current developments in accessing electronic information sources and services.

Assessment second year Practical exercises: 30%
* Evaluation project: 20%
* Examination (2 hours): 50%
Assessment third year Practical exercises: 40%
* Evaluation project: 20%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Recommended texts

Bernard R The corporate intranet Wiley, 1996
Castro E HTML for the WWW: Visual quickstart guide 2nd edn, Peachpit Press, 1997
Glossbrenner A and Rosenberg J Online resources for business Wiley, 1995
Quinn S (ed.) Recipe book of online searching 15th edn, Online Information Resources, 1996
Reynolds G W Information systems for managers 3rd edn, West, 1995
Stewart J M and Oxley S Electronic sources of information for business in Australia and New Zealand 2nd edn, RMIT, 1994
Tenopir C and Lundeen G Managing your information Neal-Schuman, 1988