Introduction to the advanced principles and theory of information retrieval. In depth analysis of how search engines work and how to explore and use various forms of Web data and information. Introduction to new areas of information retrieval such as multimedia information retrieval.

Communication and information technologies are becoming ubiquitous (e.g., instant messaging, blogs). The aim of the course is to determine current trends in the design and use of communication and information technologies and to critically examine how this revolution in communication affects our understanding of information and information behaviours.

This course offers an overview of models and theories of how users interact with information technology. Students will practice these understandings through the study of information systems in a real world context, e.g., digital libraries, the university’s library web site, etc.

Management functions required for Internet technologies. Law and standards involved in participation in the Internet. Selected aspects of the structure, growth, and governance of the Internet. Practice with tools for the management of Internet information services.

This course will introduce students to the history and evolution of the internet and its effect on libraries. The focus will be on the theory of how the internet developed and how it was and is used by libraries. No previous knowledge is necessary but topics will be covered in depth.

The focus of this course is on creating an Internet radio or television station for a non-profit organization. Students will critically review and evaluate current implementations of Internet broadcasting. Hands-on sessions will focus on the technical components, tools and skills for building Internet radio and television networks. Students will work at matching user needs to content and selecting appropriate technologies.

Principles of design for digital libraries based on published research findings, including user interface design. Critical evaluation of current implementations. Technical components, tools and skills for developing digital libraries. Matching user needs to available technologies.

Computer-based information visualization systems provide an interface between the human mind and information. This course introduces key theoretical and practical concepts involved in this interaction i.e., communication between people and computers, so that students should be able to design and evaluate visually-based information systems and pursue further research in this discipline.

Skills needed to produce a good basic Web site. Concepts of information architecture as they apply to Web site design. Methods of navigation and searching on Web sites. Forms of discourse and text structure suitable to the Web environment. Importance of creating user-centered Web designs and understanding user groups.

This course offers an examination of the principles and practice of usability, with a focus on information architecture, usability testing and other topics related to determining the effectiveness of web sites. Students critically review the literature on usability research, learn techniques for usability evaluation, conduct usability tests on web sites and write usability reports.

This course examines the basic principles of electronic text design using markup languages such as XML, and the applications of XML in the library environment related to the creation of metadata for information resource description and use. We will examine profiles for library and non-library information applications, using multiple metadata sets, including the Dublin Core.

This course examines the importance of and technological practices in library/media virtual worlds (Second Life and other OpenSim grids) from critical cultural production, materiality, cultural services and engaged ethnographic perspectives. Examine current theoretical constructs; communities of practice, activity theory, etc., to see whether they apply to virtual experience and critical research practices. Course is conducted in Second Life.

Data modelling and database structures and their application to information retrieval and processing. Analysis of data requirements and implementation of systems using a relational DBMS. Mounting a database on the Web. Programming or scripting for database applications.

Introduction to linguistic and computational aspects of natural language processing technologies. Familiarity with underlying principles and techniques required to perform all levels of language understanding and processing of naturally occurring text. Critical assessment of the use of language technologies in a variety of applications.

Tools and techniques for planning, implementing and managing technological change for libraries and information services. Library systems, subsystems and networks. Procurement of library automation software and resources; the library automation software industry; information technology trends in the library. Roles of staff, management and vendors.

This course looks at philosophical, economic and technical issues raised by OSS. Discussions focus on aspects such as; business models, relationship to the information commons, effect of intellectual property laws, and online communities. Case studies are used to demonstrate practical applications of open source with emphasis on library applications.

The term "social software" has been applied to Web-based software tools that facilitate communication, collaboration, and community-building. This course explores social software applications such as blogs, wikis, social bookmarking, and online social networks and assesses the role and affordances of social software in the context of library service provision.

Introduction to GIS technology and geospatial-related services in academic libraries. Students will gain geographical awareness and geospatial skills that are central to the delivery of modern teaching and reference services. Topics include GIS data and software (e.g. ArcGIS), map making, online mapping tools (e.g. Google Earth), geospatial information literacy, promotion and outreach.

Geodigital library is a library filled with references to geographic locations visualized on a digital map. The conceptual framework of such libraries is suitable for organization and visualization of various library, archival, and genealogical collections. This course introduces key theoretical and practical concepts relevant to the design, visualization, and evaluation of geodigital libraries.

This course focuses on the technology and use of ebooks while considering the challenges for librarians. The course provides students with technical understanding of e-books, an opportunity to explore different e-books including a range of commercially-published and free works, monographs, textbooks, and fiction (including graphic novels), and to discuss their findings in the light of current professional practice.