Graduate Course Descriptions
Numbers following course titles (0-0-0) indicate class hours, laboratory hours, and credits, respectively.
A foundation course in services based on
recorded information resources. Introduces types of indexes, search
strategies and profiling, printed and online sources of factual and
bibliographic data, preparation of information products, and user
clienteles. Required of all students in the M.S. program.
A survey of
basic statistical, tabular, and graphic methods useful in writing reports and
in reading research literatures. Stresses applications in libraries and
information agencies. Required of all students in the M.S.
program.
Introduction to computer support for information
management. Major information management tasks are introduced, along
with computer-based tools for supporting each. Laboratory exercises provide
experience with tools for managing information constraints (spreadsheets),
for searching/retrieving information through relationships (databases), and
for processing information stored as text (text-processors). Required of all
students in the M.S. program.
A study of
information systems analysis tools in the context of the systems life cycle.
Examine complex systems and organizations, with the goal of discovering and
improving their structure and processes. Structured and object-oriented
analysis tools and techniques are examined and compared. Required of all
students in the M.S. program.
Introduction to algorithmic processes.
Instruction in both numerical and elementary non-numerical programming.
Students write brief programs in the Pascal language.
(prerequisite: INFO 601 or
previous programming experience)
Emphasis is primarily on
non-numerical programming using techniques of string manipulation. Students
write programs dealing with problems such as concordance preparation, keyword
indexing, and automatic abstracting.
(prerequisite: INFO503 or permission of instructor)
A first
course in database management systems, covering database design, data
manipulation, and database integrity. Emphasizes concepts and techniques
related to the entity-relationship model and relational database systems.
Discusses commercial query languages and normalization up to third normal
form.
(prerequisites: INFO 601 and INFO 605)
Covers both traditional database systems
and recent trends in database systems. Topics for traditional database
systems include higher normal forms, the network and the hierarchical models,
extended entity-relationship models, and advanced aspects of relational
databases including transaction management and performance optimization.
Topics for recent database systems include distributed object-oriented
database systems and multimedia database systems.
(prerequisite: INFO 601 and
INFO 501 or permission of instructor)
The
design and evaluation of user interfaces for information systems. Hardware
and software technologies for interfaces are reviewed,using successful
interface designs as examples. Methods and tools for involving end users in
interface design are presented, along with guidelines for making design
tradeoffs among alternative interface technologies. Models for evaluating
interfaces are presented and applied.
(prerequisite: INFO 605)
Current approaches to computer-based
knowledge representation and inference. Offers experience in building an
expert system. Presents the expert system development life cycle with a focus
upon analysis and conceptual modeling techniques to capture the facts, rules,
and procedures of experts in a knowledge domain.
The course provides the fundamentals of computer
network technologies from a systems engineering viewpoint. Presents an
introduction to distributed computing and networking planning and design
principles. Major topics include local-area and wide-area networks,
network protocols, internetworking, client-server systems, and
distributed computing applications.
Human and
technical issues and concepts of computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW).
Topics include the ways that groups work in the networked organization,
intelligent work flow, various types of CSCW technology, CSCW software design
and implementation issues, and future directions of this
technology.
(prerequisite: INFO
605)
An advanced course in systems analysis and design with
special emphasis on information systems. Tools such as the data
flow diagram, data dictionary, and system specification are produced.
Responsibilities for prototyping, system testing, and user training are
discussed.
Focuses on fundamental decisions in designing
subject access systems and alternative approaches to indexing and
abstracting. Explores current issues in subject access to information:
principles of subject analysis; natural language vs. vocabulary control;
manual, computer-assisted, and automatic indexing; faceted indexing
and classification systems. Includes evaluation of indexer consistency and
indexing system performance.
The theoretical underpinnings
of information retrieval are covered to give the student a solid base for
further work with retrieval systems. Special emphasis is given to systems
which involve user-computer interaction. Aspects of information retrieval
covered include document selection, document description, query
formulation, matching, and evaluation.
Cognitive
processing and concept formation applied particularly to the case of humans
interacting with information storage and retrieval systems, including
automated systems. Theoretical models of cognitive processes are linked to
research studies which examine actual information-seeking
behavior.
(prerequisites: INFO 605
and INFO601)
Study of the problems and techniques
of processing natural language. Introduces theory of spoken language and how
it differs from theories of computer-generated natural language. Includes
language pattern recognition and syntactic inference, and semantic
networks.
(prerequisite: INFO620)
Addresses the nonprogramming issues and
supporting systems involved in implementing an information system in the
context of a real organization: ensuring quality in the delivered system,
integrating the system into the ongoing functions of the organization,
and supporting the system through succeeding phases of its life
cycle.
A methods, cases and project-oriented course that
identifies, describes and assesses qualitative and quantitative methods,
tools and techniques for testing and evaluating the output of each phase
of the systems design and development life cycle, as well as
the organizational impact of computer-based information
systems.
Perspectives on the design and evaluation of information services and products. Considers the distinguishing features of information organizations and units; the nature of service effectiveness; service quality; market positioning; client-provider relations; needs analysis; information valuation; information economics; information in organizations; and the introduction of information services innovations.
Provides an overview of traditional and contemporary communication patterns and the generation and use of information in research, scholarly, and professional communities. Considers models of communication and information-seeking behavior underlying the development of these communities, formal and informal communication networks, and the structure of the literatures produced.
Applies theories and techniques of management
to libraries, information centers, and information enterprise, concentrating
on political processes, leadership, communication, human resources,
organizational structure, decision making, planning, and
control.
Examines various organizational structures and the influence of structure on patterns of information processing and utilization by organizations. Emphasizes the role of function driving the demand for information. Focuses on the structure of information services, resources, and technology as a means of attaining organizational goals. Includes not only traditional business data but all forms of knowledge and emphasizes strategic and tactical uses. While the course focuses on commercial enterprises, the principles of the course apply across all types of organizations.
Addresses information technology-enabled change and policy issues in the management of information systems (IS). Stresses systems development staffing and organization, technology infrastructure, project selection, justification and funding, and data. The issues and their resolution will be studied in the context of an IS plan. Communication about the issues to senior management will be emphasized.
(prerequisite: INFO 500)
Concerns person-to-person information
services, including technical information, reference, reader's advisory, and
other information work. Major topics: conducting the information
transaction, setting administrative policies related to information services,
managing information services, and evaluating them. Addresses both
popular and specialist interests of clients in a variety of library
and information settings. Does not address government-level information
policy.
A survey of information services provided through
public libraries,with attention to governmental and funding issues,
determinants of use, extending services to non-users, and cooperation among
libraries.
The role of library service in higher education,
with emphasis on problems of organization, administration, services, and
the relationship of the library to the overall educational program.
Introduction to and intensive practice in fundamentals of
cataloging and classification, including use of the latest
Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of
Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings, and MARC
coding of records.
(prerequisite: INFO660)
Introduction to and intensive practice in
the fundamentals of cataloging nonprint materials (excluding maps and music)
and books printed before 1800, advanced work in Library of Congress
Subject Headings, practice in RLIN searching, examination of the
major problems and routines affecting cataloging with copy.
(prerequisite: INFO660 or
permission of instructor)
Introduction in basic procedures for technical
services: acquisitions, copy cataloging, original cataloging, serials
control, and circulation. The course emphasizes management in an
increasingly automated environment where traditional methods are being
supplanted by new technologies and related organizational changes.
An
overview of systems concepts and methodology with applications in library
automation. Focuses on underlying concepts and approaches to problem solving
with specific examples drawn from library automation and information
retrieval.
Introduces the basic steps of collection
development: community analysis, preparation of policy, criteria for
selection of materials, acquisition, weeding and evaluation. Explores a
variety of related issues, including censorship and intellectual
freedom.
Overview of serial publishing. Selection,
acquisition, handling, and bibliographic control of serials. Current trends
in serials management, including organization of serials work, manual and
automated methods of serials control, resource sharing, and issues
in serials public service.
An orientation to the
work of subject specialists in large libraries with multinational collections
in history, literature, the social sciences, and area studies. Surveys
acquisition arrangements, resource sharing plans, and collection evaluation
techniques. Introduces foreign and international resources, including
national and trade bibliographies, government documents, archival
collections, and microforms, in both English and foreign
languages.
Examines the transition from the Western medieval
manuscript book to modern book publication in the twentieth century,
including methods of production, intellectual content, social impact, the
role of church and state, and economic factors.
Focuses on functions of a rare book librarian or
curator, research use of rare book collections, exhibitions and
publications, specialized reference sources, acquisitions, conservation and
preservation, and donors.
Course provides an overview of the
development of online services and of the present-day online world. It
focuses on the variety of bibliographic databases available, their design and
structure, their implementation online, and their relationship to
other information sources. Emphasis is given to the techniques for building
effective search strategies and their performance on the DIALOG, Data-Star,
and LEXIS-NEXIS information retrieval systems.
(prerequisite: INFO 670,
vendor training, or online searching experience)
Primary emphasis is on
effective and efficient online search techniques and strategies, evaluating
online systems, and on management of an online search service. It will also
deal with more specialized search services, search interview skills, and
current trends/issues facing online searchers.
A
study of major information resources in the fields of religion, philosophy,
the performing arts, the visual arts, language, and literature. Emphasizes
user needs, bibliographic organization of the materials, collection building,
and the provision of reference and information services.
A study of major information resources in the social
sciences, including history, geography, political science,
sociology, anthropology, psychology, demography, economics, and education.
Emphasis on bibliographic organization, collection building, user needs, and
reference service.
A study of major information
resources in pure and applied sciences, including the physical and
biological sciences, engineering and technology, and interdisciplinary
subjects. Emphasis on bibliographical organization, collection building,
user needs and reference service.
The major types of reference tools
including representative titles in the basic medical sciences and clinical
specialties, the history and development of medical bibliography, online
services, analysis of the reference interview and of typical reference
questions, and administration of reference services.
(prerequisite: INFO 670,
vendor training, or online searching experience)
Designed to give
students who have a working knowledge of the DIALOG information retrieval
service some database-specific training in selected biomedical
files.
A study of major information resources in business
including accounting, economics, finance, marketing, and management.
Emphasis is on user needs, reference service, and information access.
Both U.S. and international resources are addressed.
A
study of the nature of federal, state, and municipal documents and of
techniques for their acquisition, organization, and use.
An introduction
to the fundamentals of legal research, including sources and research
strategies.
Acquaints prospective professionals with the resources which are published for use by and with children in grades K-8. Provides an opportunity to develop basic standards for evaluation of
resources. Includes recent research concerning children and the central role of resources in the development of their reading/viewing/listening interests and tastes.
Acquaints prospective professionals with the materials which
are published for use by and with young adults in grades 7-12. Provides an
opportunity to develop basic standards for evaluation of materials and to
learn about recent research concerning young adults and their reading
interests, tastes, and development.
(prerequisites: INFO 683 and
INFO 684, or permission of instructor)
Focuses on
programs for children and adolescents in public libraries and school media
centers. Students become acquainted with a broad variety of programs and
consider basic techniques for preparing and evaluating programs for these
user groups.
An introduction to the design, production
and effective utilizationof audiovisual software and the operation and
evaluation of media-related equipment. Includes consideration of
photographic, projection, audio, and microcomputer use in the media center.
Involves discussion of the use of these technologies in all types
of information environments.
(prerequisite: permission of instructor)
The
instructional role of the information specialist in an educational setting is
examined and methods of participating effectively in curricular planning,
implementation and evaluation are identified.
Analysis of the types of contemporary books most frequently
read by adults, with consideration of the nature of reading habits
and interests of adults, and how they relate to library
service.
(prerequisite: INFO 501 or permission of instructor)
Introduces
research designs and methods of quantitative analysis for various problems in
information systems, management of information resources, and scholarly and
professional communication. Presents statistical techniques through packaged
computer programs.
Introduces survey methodology with applications in information systems requirements analysis and information service user studies. Focuses on survey design, including
formulation of researchable problems, construction of data-gathering
instruments, sampling techniques, and fieldwork in data-gathering; analysis
and reporting of data using cross-tabulation and summary statistics; and
use of existing computer routines.
Provides an overarching understanding of several applied research methodologies that are relevant to decision makers, practitioners, and scholars. Stresses identification of the appropriate research methodology for a given problem, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each. Also stresses real-world factors associated with the research process.
An
introduction to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Basic concepts,
principles, and techniques used to achieve the goals of AI are studied.
Examples and applications are specific to information
studies.
(prerequisite: INFO 601
or previous programming experience)
An introduction to the concepts and
practice of multimedia as it applies to information delivery. Includes
multimedia design and implementation with an emphasis on microcomputer-based
systems found in such places as libraries, resource centers, and industry.
Covers adaptation of off-the-shelf hardware and software.
An introduction to simulation, particularly of
business processes, using the principles of Systems
Dynamics.
INFO 780-29 and INFO 780-30 - SOFTWARE ENGINEERING I AND II (3-0-4)
(for each part)
(prerequisite: two years of professional software
development/maintenance or its equivalent, or permission of
instructor)
Introduces students to the activities, products, and methods
which go into a well-structured software engineering product and project.
Systems-analysis-centered course which demonstrates that software is one
component of a system that is organized to achieve some end. Examines how
the goals of the software should be structured around the goals of the
system in which the software is used. Focuses on the particular properties
of software that make it problematical to engineer, and how they can be
successfully managed.
An introduction to multimedia,
covering its history, current use, and impact on information access.
Explores appropriate uses formultimedia-related technologies, understanding
techniques for creating object-oriented multimedia, and evaluating the
effectiveness of multimedia as a means of information delivery.
Applications specific to library and computer resource centers will be
emphasized.
(prerequisite: previous programming
experience)
Introduces students to the C programming language, covering
basic data types, operators, control structures, and C library functions.
Experience is gained with addressing, scope, functions, recursion, stream
I/O, records and pointers, and dynamic memory management. Some advanced
language issues and programming techniques in C are also addressed,
including topics such as structures and arrays.
Familiarizes
the student with current capabilities of the Internet, the worldwide network
for telecomputing. Topics include using electronic mail; subscribing to news
and information services; using remote computers; finding addresses;
retrieving software, textual files, and pictures from remote archives; and
conducting "talk" sessions. Also examines social, managerial, and design
issues connected with Internet use.
(prerequisite: INFO677 Resources in Business)
Focused on the
analysis of existing information in order to uncover hidden knowledge about
the environment external to (competing with) your organization. Topics
include how to analyze and integrate various types of information (patent,
financial, production, and market); how to use the new knowledge in
strategic, tactical, and operational decision-making; how to produce reports;
and the ethics of competitive intelligence.
(prerequisites: INFO
780-29 INFO 780-29 Introduction to Software Engineering I and INFO 780-30 INFO 780-30 Introduction to Software
Engineering II, or permission of instructor)
Introduces students to the
activities, products, and methods which go into managing a well-structured
software engineering product and project. The course will examine the
traditional activities of management as they apply to software projects.
Focuses on the particular properties of a software project that make it
problematical to manage and what steps we can take to improve its
manageability.
(prerequisites: INFO
606 and INFO 620)
Builds on concepts and
skills learned in INFO 605 Database Management I and INFO 606 Database
Management II, and some recent advances in database technology. Topics
include transaction processing concepts; concurrency control techniques;
embedded SQL; Oracle database administration; distributed database management
systems; client/server systems; advanced aspects of object-oriented database
systems; and multimedia database systems.
Focuses on the
evolution of archival skills and techniques needed in the business and
non-profit business environment. Topics include: review of archive basics;
challenging old assumptions; skills needed to survive in a business
environment; electronic platforms for organizing information; business uses
of an archive; legal considerations; marketing; politics and ethics in the
business environment; collection development and appraisal for business needs
and a review of current and future storage media.
Individual investigation in special areas of library and
information science not regularly covered in the courses offered. Topic
for study must be approved, in advance of registration, by the faculty
advisor, the instructor involved, and the Dean. May be repeated for credit
if topic varies.
(prerequisites: graduate statistics
course and permission of instructor)
Methods of analysis for various
problems relating to documents, information, and information networks; use
and interpretation of standard statistical techniques; analysis of
organizational change and structure; individualized study and work depending
upon area of interest.
(prerequisite: permission of
instructor)
Interdisciplinary information systems theory and research.
Quantitative as well as qualitative methods are combined in such areas as
conceptual modeling, simulation, and human factors research. Research
literatures in both experimentation and design are considered.
Individual investigation in special areas of library and
information science not regularly covered in the courses offered. Topics
for study must be approved, in advance of registration, by the faculty
advisor, the director of the research project, and the Dean. May
be repeated for credit if topic varies.
(prerequisite: permission of instructor)
Designed to comply with Pennsylvania Requirements for Library Science K-12 certification. Provides supervised field experience in a selected school library media center in the Delaware Valley area. Discussion sessions accompany the on-site experience.
(prerequisites: INFO 651
and permission of instructor)
Designed for students who lack the
experience of working in an academic library. This course provides
supervised field experience in all areas of activity in a selected academic
library in the Philadelphia area.
(prerequisite: INFO 650)
Designed for students who lack experience
working in a public library. This course provides supervised field
experience in aselected public library in the Philadelphia area. Conferences
and reaction papers supplement the on-the-job experience.
Acquaints professionals with the materials which
are published for use by and with babies, infants, toddlers, preschool
children, and young school-aged children. Provides an opportunity to develop
basic standards for evaluation of materials and to learn about
recent research concerning the relationship of these materials to
child growth and development.
(prerequisite: INFO895-16 or its equivalent)
A first course in
the C++ programming language, covering object classes, constructors,
destructors, public, private and protected definitions, class vs. instance
variables, iostreams, and a container class library.
(prerequisite: INFO606)
A data warehouse is an environment comprised
of information from many different internal and external sources. Topics
include the identification of real-world data warehousing applications;
systems and requirements analysis for data warehousing; technology for data
warehousing environments; data warehousing and enterprise-wide data
management; architecture development; and a plan for
implementation.
Covers legal, social, and ethical issues
surrounding the Internet (and other online systems). Topics include rights of
access (including disparity of access); control and regulation of networked
systems (including government intervention and regulation, and
self-regulation and control); issues of privacy and free speech (including an
overview of privacy laws and user rights); and online property rights
(including copyright infringement).
Individual work on an
approved topic leading to a doctoral dissertation in information science and
technology.
Last modified on February 4, 1997.