Undergraduate - UnitFIT3123 - Information access

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces students to the major categories of information resources in all media and how they are accessed through a variety of common user interfaces from anywhere in the world. The process of satisfying these needs through the reference interview and the application of skilled search strategies is explored. The ways that information resources are procured by libraries and e-repositories through purchase or licensing, and supplied to users on a cost-effective, efficient basis are examined. Access and authentication, intellectual property law and professional duty of care are described.

Outcomes

At the completion of this unit students will be able to:

• implement decisions about applying organisational policies for reference and collection services, justify the principles of collection management strategies, and evaluate them;
• manage networked access for users in the case of electronic resources;
• develop information literacy programs; and
• select the best source of knowledge for a practical information need.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 50%; In-semester assessment: 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Professor Sue McKemmish

Contact hours

2 hrs lecture/wk, 1 hr seminar/wk

Prerequisites

Completion of 36 credit points at level 1 or equivalent

Prohibitions

FIT5015, IMS3616, IMS5016, LAR3650, LAR3652

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/units/fit3123/