LIS 5043: Organization of Information and Knowledge Resources

Syllabus Course Description:

Organization of internal and external sources of information; information services and tools; basic concepts of information storage and retrieval systems; design and structure of information systems; identification and organization of knowledge resources such as expertise, skills and competencies; knowledge organization methods such as classification, cataloging, taxonomies and metadata; search strategies and information retrieval.

Learning objectives addressed:

• Learn about the evolving nature of reference
• Understand best practices for offering of reference services
• Understand the use of technology in the process of discovering information
• Learn about integrated library systems and networking
• Gain skills to effectively implement technology
• Understand the logistics of library operations
• Be familiar with user needs to effectively organize and design resources

Assignment

For the current issues paper, I focused on social tagging and controlled vocabularies. I had not previously understood the practices of information organization, but after this assignment realized the complex and meticulous nature of controlled vocabularies. By focusing on social tagging and folksonomy I also gained a better understanding of emerging technologies and their application.

Quick Preview:

"Information packages necessitate a system of organization in order to be recalled. Traditional taxonomy offers consistent mechanisms for searching and sense-making. However, in an era of seemingly limitless resources, non-traditional folkosonomy overcomes difficulties in professional indexing. Neither approach is flawless; therefore it seems a combination might offer the most benefits in the evolving information age."

Please find the full version attached below.