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LIBS 4140-5140 Reference and Information Services

Course Format: Independent Study in Idaho (Self-Paced)

Sponsoring Institution: University of Idaho

Course Availability: 365 days

3 Credits

Instructor Information

Course Instructor: Robert Perret

• Email: rperret@uidaho.edu

• Phone: 208.885.6631

• Office Hours: By Appointment

• Copy the ISI office at indepst@uidaho.edu on all communications. 

Course Description

LibS 4140/5140 focuses on the delivery of reference services in school and public libraries and the evaluation, selection, and collection of reference resources, both digital and in print. Research projects required for graduate credit.

Reference work is a central feature of librarianship. The reference librarian often is the public face of the library and needs the knowledge and skill to help the library user find the information he or she needs. In this Internet age, the reference librarian needs to be a teacher showing library users how to become effective information seekers.

The reference librarian also needs to have the proper tools, and the knowledge to use them effectively. Since the early days of modern librarianship, building an effective reference collection has been a critical skill of the reference librarian; as technology advances, collection development of reference works must include considerations for print as well as electronic and web-based resources.

Prerequisite for LibS 5140: Permission [contact the ISI Office].

Course Learning Outcomes

• Equip students to think, talk, and write about reference work as a librarian.
• Familiarize students with the basic concepts and skills needed to provide good reference service.
• Familiarize students with printed and online reference resources.
• Teach students to select, evaluate, and use basic reference sources.
• Teach students to use computers in reference work.
• Equip students to teach both library literacy and general information literacy.

Required Materials

• Cassell, Kay A., and Uma Hiremath. Reference and Information Services: An Introduction, 4rd edition. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc., 2018. ISBN-13: 978-0-8389-1568-4 
  • Can be found on the ALA store website
  • Note: Although the page numbers may be off a little, the third edition of the textbook will also work.
    2013. ISBN-13: 978-1-55570-859-7
• Additional course reserve readings as required: visit the Leganto Database to search by course number. Readings are indicated by title and author for each relevant lesson.
• Students will also need to be able to access library databases available through the University of Idaho Library. Students can use the same login credentials that they use for Canvas to access library resources; if access issues arise, contact either the instructor or the Reference Desk at libref@uidaho.edu or via other contact methods. 

Course Rules and Requirements

The Important Terms section and the lectures will inform students about what they should seek to learn and what they might expect to see on the comprehensive exam. In addition, the quizzes found at the end of Lessons 2–13 will help students review important material covered in earlier lessons, and are intended to help students prepare for the comprehensive exam. The quizzes are not graded, but they are reviewed by the instructor.

Online Databases

Students will be expected to explore and gain experience using various online databases. Access is available to students enrolled in Independent Study in Idaho through the University of Idaho Library. Students can use the same login credentials that they use for Canvas to access library resources; if access issues arise, contact either the instructor or the Reference Desk at libref@uidaho.edu or via other contact methods.

Additional Work for LibS 5140 Students (Graduate Credit)

Most of the lessons contain additional assignments for students in Libs 514. The assignment in Lesson 14 requires students in LIBS 5140 to prepare a thorough literature review demonstrating their knowledge and skill.

Assignment Guidelines

• 14 graded assignments, 13 ungraded quizzes, 1 exam
• Students may submit one assignment at a time. Students may submit up to three assignments in one week, depending on the feedback received.
• Wait for grades and feedback on assignments prior to submitting subsequent assignments.
• Students in LIBS 5140 will demonstrate what they have learned by conducting a thorough literature review.
• Keep a copy of every assignment submitted. Write your name and V Number on every submission.
• Students must submit assignments via Canvas. Students will receive graded assignments via Canvas.
• You will typically receive graded lessons within two weeks after the date of the receipt by the instructor.

Exam Guidelines

• Wait for grades and feedback on lessons prior to taking the exam
• Exam is closed book and closed note.

Grade Information

The course grade will be based up on the following considerations:

• Lessons 1-12 (10 pts each) = 120 pts
• Lesson 13-14 (20 pts each) = 40 pts
• Comprehensive Exam = 40 pts

200 total points possible

Grade Scale

Points	Letter Grade	Percentage
180-200	A	90–100%
160-179	B	80–89%
140-159	C	70–79%
120-139	D	60–69%
119 and lower	F	0–59%

The final course grade is issued after all assignments and exams have been graded.

Acts of academic dishonesty, including cheating or plagiarism, are considered a very serious transgression and may result in a grade of F for the course.

Course Policies

Refer to the ISI Policies for the most current policies and procedures, including information on setting up accounts, student confidentiality, exams, transcripts, course exchanges, refunds, academic integrity, library resources, disability support and other services.