LIBR 557: Information retrieval concepts and practice -- COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Course Goal: The primary focus of this course is on the techniques and strategies required to effectively and efficiently use online retrieval systems; it builds on the skills and techniques learned in LIBR 500, 502 and 503 (prev. LIBR 500, 510, and 540). Current research in online searching is also covered. Although an ability to conduct searches in one or more systems, such as Dialog, or search engines such as Google, is an expected outcome of the course, it is not a major objective. Instead, the focus is on more conceptual issues, such as database structure, database selection, search strategies, and evaluation of results. Specific online systems serve as illustrations. The course is designed to provide students with a strong base to learn other systems, especially given today’s ever-changing information environment.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

Course Topics:

• Use of search vocabularies (controlled, natural, free, numeric, etc.) and their application in specialized search environments
• Advanced search strategy formulation
• Current research issues and trends associated with various aspects of computer-based information retrieval (IR)
• The content and structure of information resources in databases, with emphasis on relevance to searching
• Various models of information retrieval systems, with emphasis on relevance to searching
• Principles for effective searching, and variations in search strategies and tactics
• The management and business of online retrieval systems

Prerequisites and/or Course Restrictions: LIBR 500, 501, 502, 503

Format of the course: One lecture per week and labs in selected weeks

Required and Recommended Reading:

Course Schedule:

Date	Topics	Assignments
January 9	Course Objectives Introduction to Information Retrieval (IR)
January 16	Key Concepts in IR
January 23	Search Strategies and Tactics
January 30	Information Retrieval Models
February 6	Tips and Tools for Searching	Assignment #1 due
February 13	Database Management
February 20	Reading Break – No Class
February 27	Search Naked!	Individual Presentation due
March 6	Search Engines: Google
March 13	Search Engines: Beyond Google	Assignment #2 due
March 20	Users: Needs, Expectations, & Limitations
March 27	Group Presentations	Group Presentation due
April 3	Group Presentations	Group Presentation due
April 10	Group Presentations	Group Presentation due

Attendance: The calendar states: “Regular attendance is expected of students in all their classes (including lectures, laboratories, tutorials, seminars, etc.). Students who neglect their academic work and assignments may be excluded from the final examinations. Students who are unavoidably absent because of illness or disability should report to their instructors on return to classes.”

Regular on-time attendance in class is an important and required part of this course.

Much of the material covered during class is not readily available from other sources. We will provide copies of all handouts distributed during sessions you miss, but it is your responsibility to obtain notes from one of the other class members. We recognize that sudden unexpected problems arise for everyone (including us), but we expect you to attend and be on time for class. Repeated absences or tardiness will result in a lower course mark or in a request that you drop the course. The extent of the reduction is at our discretion. If you know ahead of time that you will be coming in late, please let us know. If you ARE late for class (for whatever reason) please go ahead and come into the classroom rather than waiting for the break.

The University accommodates students with disabilities who have registered with the Disability Resource Centre. The University accommodates students whose religious obligations conflict with attendance, submitting assignments, or completing scheduled tests and examinations. Please let your instructor know in advance, preferably in the first week of class, if you will require any accommodation on these grounds. Students who plan to be absent for varsity athletics, family obligations, or other similar commitments, cannot assume they will be accommodated, and should discuss their commitments with the instructor before the drop date.

Evaluation: All assignments will be awarded letter grades using the evaluative criteria given on the SLAIS web site. If you receive a mark such as A-/B+ you should interpret it as a low A-, likewise a mark of B+/A- should be interpreted as a high B+. [The top mark represents the awarded letter grade, and the bottom mark indicates the relative position of the numerical equivalent in the range for the letter grade.]

Assignments will not be accepted late unless prior arrangements are made with us. Consideration will be given to legitimate emergencies. If an extension is granted, a late penalty may be imposed at our discretion; this will be discussed when you request an extension.

Written & Spoken English Requirement: Written and spoken work may receive a lower mark if it is, in the opinion of the instructor, deficient in English.

Academic Dishonesty : Please review the UBC Calendar “Academic regulations” for the university policy on cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty. Also visit www.arts.ubc.ca and go to the students’ section for useful information on avoiding plagiarism and on correct documentation.

Course Discussion List : Each of you must sign-up for the class internet discussion list. From whatever email account you wish to use, send the following [leave the Subject line blank]:

address-- To: majordomo@interchange.ubc.ca

message-- subscribe l-557

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This is the mechanism that we will use to make announcements to you outside class. You are also welcome and encouraged to post comments/questions to the list if relevant to other students. For particular problems or questions you should e-mail us at libr557@gmail.com or make an appointment to meet.