Description
of course
Conceptual analysis of information sources. Theory of
subject headings and classification systems. Analysis, comparison, and
use of Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification,
and Library of Congress Subject Headings. Introduction to Universal
Decimal Classification, Bliss Classification, Colon Classification,
NLM Classification, Medical Subject Headings, ontologies, taxonomies,
and other systems. Applications of subject systems in various library
and information environments. Provision of authority control for subject
headings, and tagging and formatting of subject and classification information
for computer input. Lab component. Prerequisite: LIS2001 Organizing
Information
Goals
To become conversant with the concepts used in subject analysis and
to understand the broader theoretical context in which these concepts
function.
To acqure the ability to analyze information packages for subject
content, to assign LC subject headings and LC and Dewey classification
numbers to information packages, and to provide MARC tagging in preparation
for online input.
To become acquainted with systems used for subject analysis in special
libraries and in other locations where the Library of Congress systems
are not of paramount importance.
To be able to cite authorities, synthesize opinions, and defend work
about subject analysis in written and oral form.
Course
Modules
Module 1: Subject Analysis of Information
Packages
Module 2: Library of Congress
Subject Headings
Module 3: Dewey Decimal Classification
Module 4: Library of Congress
Classification
Module 5: MARC Format
Module 6: Other Systems for Subject
Access
Class
schedule
May 11 -- Introduction, review; Subject analysis of information
packages
May 18, May 25, June 1 -- Library of Congress Subject
Headings (LCSH)
June 8 -- FAST (Faceted Access to Subject Terminology
June 15 -- Classification; Dewey Decimal Classification
(DDC); Cutter numbers
June 22, June 29 -- Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
July 6, 13 -- Library of Congress Classification (LCC)
July 20, 27 -- Other systems for subject indexing and
access [oral reports]
Required
Text:
Taylor, Arlene G. Wynar's Introduction to Cataloging
and Classification. Revised 9th ed. Westport, Conn.: Libraries
Unlimited, 2004.
Recommended
Text:
Saye, Jerry D., with April J. Bohannan; MARC formatting
with the assistance of Terri O. Saye. Manheimer's Cataloging and Classification:
A Workbook. 4th ed. rev. and expanded. New York: Marcel Dekker, 2000.
Assignment
Schedule and Evaluation
June 8: LC Subject Headings assignment due..........15%
June 8-22: Work on FAST Project..........10%
July 6: Dewey Decimal Classification assignment due..........15%
July 22: LC Classification assignment due..........15%
July 22 or 29: Oral report on subject access system..........20%
July 29: LCC, DDC, LCSH for last problem due..........15%
May 13 - July 29: Class, electronic discussion, and
chatroom participation expected..........(10%)
Important
Course Information
Professor:
Arlene G. Taylor
Office: 642 IS Bldg.
Email: ataylor@mail.sis.pitt.edu
Web site: http: www.pitt.edu/~agtaylor
Office hours: Monday, 4:00-6:00, and by appointment
Office tel.: 412-624-9452
Graduate Student
Assistants:
Christine Fullerton
E-mail: chf6@pitt.edu
Organization
The course consists of discussions in class and on the
class bulletin board/discussion list (through Courseweb), class/lab
demonstrations, in-class exercises, out-of-class assignments, and
student oral presentations.
Requirements
As a student you are expected to attend class, read
the assigned readings, participate in class discussions and in the
class electronic discussions, complete in-class and homework assignments,
and be present on days when you are to make presentations to the rest
of the class. You are responsible for using the resources of the department
and the university to learn how to use PITTCAT and other public retrieval
systems, the University of Pittsburgh libraries, electronic mail,
and Blackboard.
Reserve Materials
A list of reserve materials is linked to this syllabus.
The reserve list includes some supplemental documents that may be
of interest to you to examine or read. Additional materials may be
put on reserve during the semester.
Assignments
Due dates for assignments are included in this syllabus.
You are encouraged to ask for assistance with them when needed. You
may discuss your work on these assignments with each other, but the
ultimate work you turn in should be the result of your having done
the work yourself, not having copied "answers" from other students.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. For an explanation
of what constitutes plagiarism, see "Avoiding Plagiarism," by David
J. Birnbaum and Helena Goscilo: http://clover.slavic.pitt.edu/~tales/02-1/plagiarism.html
The result of plagiarism on any assignment will be an
"F" for at least that assignment. If the plagiarism is found to be
a repeat offense, the grade for the course will be an "F."
Evaluation
Evaluation of your work is based on the percentages
given with the assigment due dates in this syllabus.
Late Policy
All assignments must be turned in on time. Late assignments
will not be accepted except in dire circumstances. Incompletes will
be given only under the most extreme of conditions and with the understanding
that the final grade will usually then be lower than it would have
been had the work been completed on time.
A Note on Special
Needs
Students with disabilities who require special accommodations
or other classroom modifications should notify the instructor and
the University's Office of Disability Resources & Services (DRS)
no later than the 2nd week of the term. A student may be asked to
provide documentation of a disability to determine the appropriateness
of the request. DRS is located in 216 William Pitt Union and can be
contacted at 648-7890 (Voice), 624-3346 (Fax), and 383-7355 (TTY).
Students who must miss a class due to religious observances must notify
the instructor ahead of time and make alternative arrangements.
Language Courtesy
Inclusive language: Gender-inclusive language is required
in all course work and presentations. The use of respectful language
in any situation is not a matter of "political correctness" but one
of simple courtesy.
This entire site is copyrighted by Arlene
G. Taylor - Copyright 2005.