SLIS 5210/4210

Organization and Control of Information Resources I

University of North Texas

School of Library and Information Sciences

Dr. Shawne Miksa

phone: 940-565-3560  

E-mail: smiksa@unt.edu

“…cataloging and classification are two of the fundamental branches of library science…the student learns…he [or she] is preparing for a professional, not a clerical position.”

“The study of these branches involves problems requiring the performance of a definite duty as well as the creation of a definite thing.”

Margaret Mann, Introduction to Cataloging and Classification of Books, 1943

Course Description

Descriptive cataloging and subject analysis of different kinds of information resources. Anglo-American Cataloging Rules; Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems; vocabulary control; subject headings; principles and techniques of catalog construction, maintenance and use; information indexing and retrieval; use of on-line databases; representative research, problems and practice. Prerequisites): SLIS 5200 and 5710, or consent of school.

Course Objectives

By the end of the semester, students will have gained a reasonably useful grasp of what is involved in providing access control for “Information Entities” or “Information Resources” in general and for library cataloging and classification in particular, such that:

• if one pursues a career in an area other than library services, one can successfully compare Information Entity (IE) or Information Resources access control in such a chosen occupational area with and even borrow from this type of access control in librariesif one wants to pursue a career in library technical services this course will provide a solid basis for taking one or more advanced courses in library cataloging.
• if one wishes to specialize in some other aspect of librarianship, this course will have provided a reasonably sufficient basis for understanding and using library catalogs, library catalog metadata and metadata formats, library classification schemes, and library cataloging tools.

Specific Objectives

Student will be able to:

1. express clearly several core but general theoretical concepts in providing access control over Information Entities (IE) or Information Resources;express clearly several core but more specific theoretical concepts related to library cataloging and classification;
2. successfully negotiate the elementary use of several key tools in library cataloging and classification, including the

• Library of Congress Subject Heading (LCSH) controlled vocabulary,

  Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System

  Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system

  MARC Bibliographic data format, and the

• Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (2^nd ed., revised, 2002 edition, plus amendments).*
  
  * This includes working with Cataloger's Desktop software.

4. “understand” for himself or herself the “system of ideas and practices” that make up library cataloging and classification.

Syllabus Revision

This syllabus may be revised during the semester at the instructor's discretion. The syllabus document does not represent a contract between the instructor and the student.

Late Work

Late work is not permitted.

Academic Misconduct

The UNT Graduate Catalog includes the following under Academic Misconduct: The term "cheating" includes, but is not limited to, (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources specifically prohibited by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems or carrying out other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty or staff member of the university. The term "plagiarism" includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgement. Plagiarism also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.

Penalties for academic misconduct range from reducing the grade for a test or assignment to revoking an academic degree already granted. Penalties and the appeals process are explained in the UNT Graduate Catalog and the UNT Code of Student Conduct and Discipline.

WebCT software

Once you have the correct browser version installed, you'll have to configure your browser settings. You'll want to make sure that you:

1. Enable JavaSet your browse cache to reloadTurn off anonymous logon
2. Enable cookies 

Instructions for each of these settings are here: http://www.webct.com/exchange/viewpage?name=exchange_browser_tuneup#settings

If AOL is your service provider, here are directions to access the course via your browser:       

1. Connect to AOL       
2. Begin a chat session, then minimize all AOL windows.       
3. Start your browser.
4. Log into WebCT.

System Requirements

• Microsoft Windows 98/Me/2000/XP operating systems 

• Mac® OS 9.x or OS 10.1.x operating system software.

This course is classroom-based, however, some media may be available exclusively on the course website. These media will require the addition of two plug-ins to your browser: Adobe Acrobat Reader and Real Player. The University computing helpdesk will assist you if you cannot properly install these plug-ins. In addition, any video clips used in the course will offer several options for access. Best access will always be on a "direct connect" - a LAN connection that does not require a modem. Computers on the UNT campus offer this type of connection, as do some computers at schools and public libraries.  

Resources and Materials needed

You may contact the UNT bookstore (940-565-2592) for the first two titles (possibly in a used edition) or you may purchase them from Amazon.com, textbooks.com or directly from the publisher.

REQUIRED TEXTS:

• Fritz, Deborah A. (2003). Marc 21 for Everyone: A Practical Guide. Chicago: American Library Association. ISBN 083890842X
• Taylor, Arlene G. (2006). Wynar's Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. 10th edition.  Englewood, CO. : Libraries Unlimited. ISBN 1591582350

The following titles will be available through several online resources:

• Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index. 22nd ed. (REQUIRED; some selections will be provided by instructor, but main access will be through Web Dewey via OCLC's Connexion,instructor will provide logon and password. ).
• Library of Congress Classification, Schedule H.  Washington, DC, Library of Congress Cataloging Distribution Service.  (REQUIRED; available through Classification Web via UNT Libraries' Electronic Resources. 
• Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. (2002).  2nd ed, with latest updates.  Chicago:   American Library Association. (Print version is Optional)  (REQUIRED; available through Catalogers' Desktop, instructor will provide logon and password. 
• Library of Congress Subject Headings. Latest version. Washington, DC, Library of Congress Cataloging Distribution Service.  (REQUIRED; available through Classification Web via UNT Libraries' Electronic Resources.   Copies of the printed books should be available at local public libraries and we have copies available in the SLIS Graduate Access Lab here on campus--but these will most likely not be the latest editions.  Alternatively, you may search subject headings using LC Authorities (http://authorities.loc.gov/) but keep in mind this will not show the structure of the thesaurus, only the subject heading authority records.

ADA Accommodation

Any student with a disability that will require accommodation under the terms of federal regulations must present a written accommodation request to the instructor on or before the second-class meeting. Copies of the School’s ADA Compliance Policy, ADA Policy on Auxiliary Aids and Reasonable Accommodation, and ADA Grievance Procedures are available through the School Office (ISB 205; 940 / 565-2445). It is also recommended that the student register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (University Union 318-A; 940 / 565-4323).  

Important Notice for F-1 Students

To read INS regulations for F-1 students taking online courses, please go to this website http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/services/visas.htm and select the link to "8 CFR 214.2(f)" in the table next to "F-1."  Paragraph (f)(6)(i)(G)

A Final Rule with clarifications on the restriction can be found in a pdf file located at http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/lawsregs/fr121102.pdf

Within this document,  refer to Section IX on page 9 with the subject header "Online and Distance Education Courses."

To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on-campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the completion of this course.

If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student’s responsibility to do the following:

(1) Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course.

(2) Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Advising Office.  The UNT International Advising Office has a form available that you may use for this purpose.

Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Advising Office (telephone 940-565-2195 or email international@unt.edu) to get clarification before the one-week deadline.

Activities

There are four multi-part assignments to be completed by team work, unless otherwise specified:

Assignments

Exercise 1: Information Entity “Universe” and AACR2r Chapters

Exercise 2, pts. 1-2: Describing Information Entities according to AACR2r, Name and Title Access Points

Exercise 3, pts 1-3: Subject Access, LCSH Conversion practice (parts 1-2 count as one grade)

Exercise 4, pts, 1-2:  Classification using LCC and DDC

Submitting Assignments

With the exception of Exercise 1, all assignments will be completed by TEAMS. 

Discussion Postings

Periodically a question will be posted in the Discussion Area for which each student will post an individual response. This questions will also be discussed during weekly class meetings or chats.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Module 1: Descriptive Cataloging 

  Introduction to course, syllabus review, and how this course will work

• Lesson 1: Catalogs, cataloging, cataloged-- the essence of organization control and access to "stuff"
  • What something IS, what something is ABOUT, and why we make the distinction
  • Universe of Information Entities
• Lesson 2:  Descriptive Cataloging 
  • Cataloging tools introduction
  • Taming the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules
• Lesson 3: Descriptive cataloging
• Titles and statements of responsibility
• Publishers, edition statements, GMD's
• Lesson 4: Descriptive Cataloging  
• Physical description
• Series
• Notes
• Lesson 5:  MARC format

Module 2: Access Points and Authority Control

• Lesson 6: Access points 
• Choice and Form of Main Access Points (MAP) and Added Access Points (AAP)
• Name (personal, corporate bodies) access points and Title (uniform, variations, etc.) access points
• Authorship issues
• Lesson 7: Authority Control
• authority record determination and creation, 
• structure of authority records, including MARC field usage
• searching name and title authority files

Module 3: Subject Cataloging

• Lesson 8:  Subject Cataloging : Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH)
• Subject Analysis
• LCSH
• Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings
• Lesson 9: Subject Cataloging: Library Classification with specific emphasis on Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) systems
• Universe of Knowledge
• Library Classification
• Library of Congress Classification
• Dewey Decimal Classification