Course Syllabus

Independent Study in Idaho      

ISI Website | indepst@uidaho.edu | 208-885-6641

LIBS 4140 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

Course Description

LibS 4140 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. 

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.

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.

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.
  • 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.

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO POLICIES AND RESOURCES

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

A core value at UI is the ideal of academic honesty and integrity. UI students live and work in a community which emphasizes their responsibility for helping to determine and enforce high standards of academic conduct. The University of Idaho expects all students to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty, and to refrain from any action which infringes upon academic freedom of other members of the community. Please review the UI Student Code of Conduct Article II - Academic Honesty. 

PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is using someone else’s words, ideas, or work and presenting it as your own. This includes copying, rewording, or summarizing someone else’s writing without giving them credit, as well as taking another person’s ideas and putting them in new words without citing them.

Your assignments should be your original work. When using outside sources, you must cite them. If you use someone’s exact words, put them in quotation marks and give proper credit. If you use their ideas, make sure you cite them even if you’ve rewritten the wording. When you fail to do so, it constitutes academic dishonesty. 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AI with Acknowledgement  

As artificial intelligence tools become more widely available, it is important to clarify how they may or may not be used in this course. The following policy is designed to support your learning and ensure academic integrity.

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools—including but not limited to ChatGPT, Copilot, Perplexity, Grammarly, image generators, and automated coding/writing assistants—may be used in this course if that use is properly documented and cited.  

Students must (1) cite any AI-generated material using a clear attribution and appropriate citation format (e.g., MLA, APA, etc.) and (2) include a brief (2–3 sentence) note explaining how the tool was used, including the prompt or settings. Unauthorized or undisclosed use of AI tools will be considered a violation of academic integrity under the University of Idaho Student Code of Conduct and may affect your grade.  

This practice helps you reflect on your learning process and ensures transparency in your academic work. If you're unsure how to document or cite AI use, please reach out or visit the University of Idaho Writing Center for support. 

LEARNING CIVILITY

In any environment in which people gather to learn, it is essential that all members feel as free and safe as possible in their participation. To this end, it is expected that everyone in this course will be treated with mutual respect and civility, with an understanding that all of us (students, instructors, professors, guests, teaching assistants, etc.) will be respectful and civil to one another in discussion, in action, in teaching, and in learning.

Should you feel any classroom interactions do not reflect an environment of civility and respect, you are encouraged to reach out to me or an appropriate campus resource to discuss your concern.

Some appropriate campus resources to express a concern or request support include the Dean of Students Office (208-885-6757 or VandalCARE referral), the Counseling and Mental Health Center (208-885-6716), or the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (208-885-4285).

CENTER FOR DISABILITY ACCESS & RESOURCES (CDAR)

UI is committed to ensuring an accessible learning environment where course or instructional content are usable by all students and faculty. If you believe that you qualify for disability-related academic adjustments for this class, please contact CDAR to discuss eligibility. A current accommodation notification from CDAR is required before any modifications above and beyond what is otherwise available for all other students in this class will be provided.

Please be advised that disability-related academic adjustments are not retroactive. CDAR is located at the Bruce Pitman Building, Suite 127. Their phone number is 208-885-6307 and email is cdar@uidaho.edu.

For a complete listing of services and hours visit www.uidaho.edu/student-resources/disability-accessibility-resources.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

UI has a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to all programs, services, and facilities, and includes, but is not limited to, applications, admissions, access to programs and services, and employment. Sexual harassment violates state and federal law and policies of the Board of Regents, and is expressly prohibited. UI also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as stated in FSH 3215. The entire FSH can be accessed online at www.uidaho.edu/policies/fsh.

Complaints about discrimination or harassment should be brought to the attention of the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations (ocri@uidaho.edu, 208-885-4285). Retaliation for bringing forward a complaint is prohibited by FSH 3810.

UI MOSCOW LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The University of Idaho welcomes and respects all people. UI Moscow is located on the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), Palus (Palouse), and Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) tribes. We extend gratitude to the indigenous people that call this place home, since time immemorial.

TECHNOLOGY HELP

Keep Learning / CAPE Tech Support provides information on authentication and login issues, enrollment and registration, CANVAS help, dropping courses, profile updates, etc. You can also submit a support request if needed which can be directed to the Independent Study in Idaho office.