An overview of issues, perspectives and concerns of importance to information professionals and the discipline of library and information science. An introduction to different information environments; and a consideration of the social, political, economic, cultural, historical, and intellectual contexts of information.
Principles and techniques for the organization and representation of information as exemplified in classification and classification schemes, subject representation with controlled vocabularies, and contemporary bibliographic description.
Theory and practice of finding and using basic information sources and question negotiating techniques in information providing contexts, including libraries and information centres. Appropriate and effective ways of providing personal assistance to users in pursuit of information.
This course provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods. Topics covered include: the research process from finding a researchable question through data gathering and analysis to dissemination of results; qualities of well-designed research; ethical considerations in research; and basic concepts and techniques in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
Building on the MLIS core, this course offers a critical perspective on issues involved in managing and working in contemporary information organizations. Students will be introduced to theory and practice in organizational design and culture, strategic planning, financial management, human resources, labour-management relations, policy and ethical challenges, leadership, and communication.
An intensive study of the applications of online searching in information work, including characteristics of major retrieval systems and the principles and mechanics of searching. The structure and subject diversity of OPACs, and bibliographic and non-bibliographic databases will be examined. Criteria for the evaluation of search results will also be covered.
Technology Course
Students are required to successfully complete one designated technology course to meet the requirements for graduation (effective May 2007). A variety of these courses are offered every term. They are identified on the Web site by the symbol [T].
A Designated Technology course [T] is a course that has a significant component devoted directly to the design, development, implementation, support, management, use or evaluation of computer-based information systems (software and/or hardware) to develop students' applied understanding of technology, typically through hands-on experiences.
To enrol in a designated technology course, a student requires knowledge of the relevant technologies or software as described in course prerequisites, or permission of the instructor.
To assist students in gaining the knowledge necessary to enrol in designated technology courses, a series of IT Workshops are offered on the following topics: Spreadsheets, Presentation Software, Introduction to Databases, and Basic HTML Coding.