Credit Hours: 3 credits

Prerequisite: None

Class Meeting: Asynchronous online

Sue Yeon Syn, Ph.D.

Office: CSL 422A

Phone: 202-319-6277

Email: syn [at] cua [dot] edu

Office Hour: By appointment

This course introduces students to the evolving role of information systems in the storage and retrieval of information. Students explore how information technology in libraries, archives and information centers, and on the World Wide Web facilitates interaction with information. 

This course is designed to:

• Introduce students to applicable theory, principles, and standards; 

• Explore the capabilities and functions of several classes of information systems, including established technology like Integrated Library Systems and databases as well as evolving social and collaborative environments; 

• Introduce essential technology elements (hardware, software, networking, etc.); 

• Introduce practical information technology skills used by information professionals, such as working with databases and creating and publishing web pages; and 

• Promote critical thinking, problem solving and collaborative teamwork abilities for working with information technology. 

At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain the role and functions of computer-based information systems in libraries or information centers or on the web.

2. Describe fundamental computer and communications technology principles and trends applicable to libraries, archives or other information centers. 

3. Describe important human and technological issues in the electronic environment. 

4. Employ systems analysis and human-computer interaction frameworks to analyze the design and operation of information systems in libraries or information centers or on the web. 

5. Demonstrate basic skills in selected current technologies (such as database management systems (DBMS), HTML, or wikis) to organize and disseminate information. 

6. Demonstrate professional communication skills (oral, written, and technological) to effectively interact with clients and co-workers in libraries or information centers or on the web.

Required Textbook: Miller, J. B. (2014). Internet Technologies and Information Services. 2nd Ed. Libraries Unlimited. (ISBN 9781610694735)

Optional Textbooks: Casabona, J. (2021). HTML and CSS: Visual Quickstart Guide. 9th Ed. San Francisco, CA: Peachpit Press. (ISBN: 9780136702566)

* This is a reference book for HTML and CSS. If you prefer using other resources such as web references or other books, you can use them instead of purchasing this book.

Reading materials: Additional readings are assigned as necessary for each week's topic. 

The following capabilities are required for course delivery: 

• Navigate the web and conduct basic web searches. Save a web page to local computer. Access a web page by entering its URL directly into the web browser. 

• Use basic features of Windows, such as the Start menu and other program menus, cut-and-paste, moving files between folders and external media like a USB drive. 

• Log in to the CUA network. 

• Send and receive email using the CUA email system. 

• Use CUA library systems to find books and articles. 

• Access this course on Blackboard, view this syllabus and related information available, and post a personal introduction on the discussion forum. 

• Post to a web-based discussion forum. 

• Create a Microsoft Word or PowerPoint document and apply basic formatting such as fonts, font sizes and color. 

• You also need regular access to the Internet (i.e., at least every other day). 

• Make sure you meet the LIS Student Technology Expectation. 

If you do not feel confident of your mastery of these skills, don't panic. Instead, contact me before the course starts. I can help you find resources to fill in any gaps early in the semester.

The following technologies are taught as an essential part of this course:

• Web page creation: Basic HTML and CSS

• Publishing a web page 

• Use of tools for shared content development and collaborative activity (e.g., Google Workspace, wiki or blog)

• Exploration of relational database concepts using Microsoft Access 

• Exploration of creation and use of XML  

Assignments

Each homework assignment will incorporate the topics being covered and selected technology skills. For LSC555 students, make sure to test your work using a PC and browser before submitting your assignment work, you must test your work using a PC and browsers.

Research Paper

The topic for your research paper should pertain to one of the subject areas related in the course that has captured your interest (a chosen topic of technological aspects and its impact on LIS). Try to connect your career interests to this research paper by examining technological applications or any information system. Your paper should be a standard research paper in both content and format. It should be approximately 8 pages for graduate students (LSC555) and 5 pages for undergraduate students (LSC255) in length, double-spaced not including bibliography, and follow APA citation style. You are encouraged to consult to me throughout the research process.  

Final Project & Presentation

For the final project, you will work individually or partner with other classmates to conduct an in-depth case study of a real organization’s information system. If you choose to work with your classmates, your team needs to decide how to communicate and share resources with the group members for the project. Emails and a wiki are commonly used.

Class Participation

This course includes hands-on activities and practical discussion which will contribute a lot to your learning experience. Exercises and other activities are provided to help you learn and practice course material, especially specific techniques or tools. Although they are not formally graded, they contribute to your participation grade - you are expected to complete them and post your results, comments, etc. as instructed.

The lecture notes and readings are intended to stimulate questions in addition to providing information. Thus, your participation is critical for your learning goals for this course. Class participation includes class attendance, completion of in-class exercises, and participation of class discussion. These will altogether contribute 15% of your final grade.

Course Requirements

Grades for this course will be based upon the following elements:

• • Assignment 1: 10% 

  • Assignment 2: 15% 

  • Research Paper: 25% 

  • Final Project: 30% 

  • Class Participation: 20% 

Final Grades

Final grades will be assigned as follows:

• • A: 94-100

  • A-: 90-93.99

  • B+: 86-89.99

  • B: 82-85.99

  • B-: 78-81.99

  • C: 70-77.99

  • F: Below 70

University Grade Policy

The University grading system is available at http://policies.cua.edu/academicundergrad/gradesfull.cfm#II for undergraduates and http://policies.cua.edu/academicgrad//gradesfull.cfm#iii for graduate students. Reports of grades in courses are available at the end of each term on http://cardinalstation.cua.edu.

Academic Honesty Policy

Academic dishonesty at The Catholic University of America is not tolerated (https://policies.catholic.edu/students/academicundergrad/integrityfull.html and

 https://policies.catholic.edu/students/academicundergrad/integrityprocedures.html)

As such, academic integrity is not merely avoiding plagiarism or cheating, but it certainly includes those things. Academic integrity means, above all else, taking responsibility for your work, your ideas, and your effort, and giving credit to others for their work, ideas, and effort. If you submit work that is not your own – whether test answers, whole papers, or something in-between – that is considered to be academic dishonesty.  University procedures related to academic dishonesty are conducted with respect and dignity, while also preserving accountability, and they presuppose that all participants will treat each other with respect and dignity.

The following sanctions are presented in the University procedures related to Student Academic Dishonesty:

“The presumed sanction for undergraduate students for academic dishonesty will be failure for the course. In the context of graduate studies, the expectations for academic honesty are greater, and therefore the presumed sanction for dishonesty is likely to be more severe, e.g., expulsion. ...In the more unusual case, mitigating circumstances may exist that would warrant a lesser sanction than the presumed sanction.”

At times, you may do group work for an in-class presentation or group project. For that specific assignment, you are allowed to share material, ideas and information; however, for any related work that is to be submitted on an individual basis, your submission is expected to be your own in its entirety. If there is no group work in the class you should not collaborate with classmates on work that is to be submitted for an individual grade.

For more information about what academic integrity means at CUA, including your responsibilities and rights, visit https://integrity.catholic.edu/index.html.

Accommodations for students with disabilities

Any student with a disability that will require accommodation under the terms of federal regulations should present a written accommodation request to the instructor by the second week of classes meeting. The law includes accommodation for learning disabilities, Attention Deficient Disorder and anxiety disorders. It is also recommended that the student contact the Office of Disability Support Services (202-319-5211) located in suite 207 in the Pryzbyla Center. To read about the services and policies, please visit the website: http://dss.cua.edu/

A Guide for services and accommodations for students with disabilities can be found at: http://counsel.cua.edu/ADA/publications/disbro/contents.cfm

Some basic guidelines and links to other information may be found at: http://counsel.cua.edu/ADA/clicks/

Campus Resources for student support

• Libraries https://libraries.catholic.edu/

• Center for Academic and Career Success https://success.catholic.edu/

• Math Center https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/math-center/index.html

• Tutoring Services https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/tutoring-services/index.html

• Writing Center https://success.catholic.edu/academic-support/writing-center/index.html

• Office of Disability Support Services https://dss.catholic.edu/index.html

• Counseling Center https://counseling.catholic.edu/index.html

• Student Health Services https://health.catholic.edu/index.html

• Dean of Students Office https://deanofstudents.catholic.edu/index.html

Week 1

Course Overview

Introduction to Information Systems

• Information systems and related components

• Terminologies

• System interaction: input and output

• Evolution and trends of information systems

Week 3

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC)

System Analysis

• Requirement analysis

• Methods for systems analysis: Use case, ERD, Flow charts, Data flow diagrams (DFDs)

Week 5

Web Design: CSS Basics

• CSS syntax: selector, declaration, properties, values

• Application of CSS

• Styling: document, text, fonts, images

• Hands-on exercise: applying designs to a web page

Week 7

System Evaluation

• Usability engineering: Principles of user interface design

• Heuristics evaluation: Nielson's ten heuristics

• User testing

  • Methods

  • Designing user tests

Week 9

Representation & Management of Information II: XML

• Introducing XML-related technology: Schema, XSL

• XML syntax

• Data structure and presentation with XML

• RSS

Week 11

Integrated Library Systems

• Evolution of ILS: Library automation to ILS

• Issues related to ILS (e.g., Open Source ILS)

• Communication protocols and standards: Z39.50 and next generation Z39.50, Web services

• ILS acquisition: Acquisition process, RFP and RFI, vendor and market analysis

Week 13

Social Issues in IT

• IT policies

• Security: computer crime, threats and prevention

• Privacy issues

• Copyright issues

• Fairness in information use

Technology Trends

• Use of emerging technologies in LIS