LAR4090

Computers in information transfer

F Morrissey

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

Objectives At the completion of this subject students should have an appreciation of computer capabilities and applications in librarianship and information management, an understanding of computer hardware (including input, output and storage devices), a knowledge of software types (including wordprocessing, spreadsheets, information retrieval, database management systems, telecommunications software and World Wide Web), an understanding of the systems development lifecycle, the ability to analyse computing needs and prepare a `request for proposal', the ability to evaluate and select systems appropriate to a particular organisation's needs, and experience in database creation and management using DB/Textworks.

Synopsis A subject designed to give students an understanding of computers and how they work in information processing and transfer. The subject covers computer hardware, input, output and storage devices; the capabilities of the computer; software and the basics of systems development and computer programming; information retrieval and database management packages; and telecommunication services. Evaluation of information management and library packages is also covered. Practical sessions involve the use of personal computers, word processing, electronic mail, AARNet/Internet and database development.

Assessment Test: 15%
* Projects (database and library automation): 65%
* Tutorial exercises: 20%

Recommended texts

Szymanski, Szymanski and Pulschen Computers and information systems with hands-on software tutorials Prentice-Hall, 1995