Syllabus

Cataloging and Classification LM 5020 Plymouth State University INSTRUCTOR: Nancy J. Keane nancy@nancykeane.com 603-228-4473 (home) 603-225-0862 x5020 (work) COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers the theory and application of basic principles of cataloging and other methods of organizing information. Through lectures, discussions, and exercises, students will learn how the standard methods to organize information in various environments. The bibliographic data exchange format, i.e., machine-readable catalog records (MARC), and metadata methods will be discussed and applied.

CREDIT: 3 hours

COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the semester, students who succeed in finishing the course should be able to:


 * A.** Identify a broad range of knowledge representation models drawn from the fields of information science, communication, semiotics, philosophy, cognitive psychology and artificial intelligence. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * B.** Apply the basic principles of knowledge organization and representation to the indexing, abstracting and classification of information in several media—print and non-print. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * C.** Demonstrate practical experience in applying the basic principles of knowledge organization and representation to the indexing, abstracting and classification of information in several media—print and non-print. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * D.** Demonstrate the analysis of information resources for hypertext indexing. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * E.** Demonstrate an understanding of the function of subject analysis in indexing and classification. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1-3__**]
 * F.** Demonstrate an understanding of the development and application of controlled vocabularies and syndetic structures. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * G.** Recognize the major classification systems currently in use. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]
 * H.** Demonstrate the application of the Dewey Decimal System to the classification of information in several media—print and non-print. [**__ALA__** **__Standards 1, 4__**]


 * MAJOR TOPICS:**
 * 1) MARC record structure
 * 2) Descriptive Cataloging
 * 3) Areas of description
 * 4) Access Points
 * 5) Authority Control and References
 * 6) Subject Cataloging
 * 7) Classification - DDC and LCC
 * 8) Subject Headings
 * 9) Administrative issues regarding access

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS: Intner, Sheila. Standard Cataloging for School and Public Libraries. 4th ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2008. Gordon, Michael. __Concise AACR2.__ American Library Association, 2004.


 * TOOLS FOR DESCRIPTIVE AND SUBJECT CATALOGING YOU WILL NEED TO CONSULT:**

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). Library of Congress Classification (LCC). Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). Sears List of Subject Headings (Sears).

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION: The course will be taught in a combination of face-to-face instruction and online. There will be several interactive discussions and frequent opportunities to interact with the instructor.

ASSIGNMENTS: Students will read the assignments and posted notes as given on the course calendar. Students will participate in required interactive discussions. (30%)
 * 1) Complete all assigned exercises. Assigned exercises are due as posted. Answers will be displayed in the course wiki after due date. No credit will be given if assignment is turned in after answers are posted.. It is the student's responsibility to compare your answers with those posted and to research reasons for discrepancies. The instructor should be consulted with questions about the assignment answers. Due dates for exercises will be given with the exercise instructions. (40%)
 * 2) A policy manual (8-10 pages) describing local decisions regarding cataloging policies and a rationale for those decisions will be due at the end of the course. Additional information regarding the format and other information will be given. (30%)

COURSE POLICIES: All assignments are due by the date indicated. Work not received on time will have to be graded as late. Late assignments will not be accepted more than 24 hours after due date without prior approval from the instructor and may be subject to grade reductions or no credit, at the instructor's discretion. One online discussion absence is allowed. Prior arrangements should be made with the instructor for missing a discussion if at all possible. Additional absences may result in a lower course grade. The calendar is a part of the syllabus, but may be revised by the instructor as needed. Additional instructions for assignments and grading rubrics are also considered a part of the syllabus. Students wishing to make up work because of illness or family emergency must contact the instructor as soon as possible so makeup arrangements can be made. All written assignments are to be deposited emailed to the instructor or posted to the wiki per instructions. Appropriate behavior is expected. Comments and reactions that are posted online, while presented honestly, should be carefully phrased to avoid sounding negative or rude to fellow classmates. An online environment, with its lack of visual feedback, requires particular attention to courtesy and phrasing.

COURSE COMMUNICATION: Communication will be primarily by e-mail and through the course wiki. **Each student is required to e-mail the instructor at the beginning of the semester and to provide his/her e-mail address, mailing address, and ALL telephone numbers where the student can be reached.** Each week question(s) will be posted in the Discussion Area for which each student will post an individual response. Additionally, each student will post a minimum of one response to a posting.

POINTS SCALE: 94-100 A 90-93 A- 88-89 B+ 83-87 B 80-82 B- 78-79 C+ 73-77 C 70-72 C- 63-69 D Below 63 F