58126 Information Discovery and Analysis

UTS: Communication
Credit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks

Requisite(s): 58125 Creative Information Design
There are also course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Handbook description

Students are introduced to a range of techniques that enable them to conduct sophisticated searches and analysis in digital environments. Using case-based approaches and a real-life scenario, they learn to apply these skills to a particular problem. By analysing and reflecting upon approaches to the execution of searches as well as the significance of the content of information located through these searches, students develop an understanding of information systems and an appreciation of their strengths and current limitations. To develop an understanding of potential strategic uses of information, they learn how to analyse information to create compact syntheses that suit the needs of different audiences in different contexts. In a collaborative learning environment, students also critically examine themes associated with information practices in a digital world. Students continue to contribute to their course-wide ePortfolio.

Subject objectives/outcomes

At the end of this subject students will be able to

explain the concepts of information access and information analysis
identify key areas of contemporary debate and contention in information access and analysis
apply key skills in locating, retrieving, analysing and synthesising information in different formats for particular purposes and contexts
report findings in a professional manner
contribute to group processes.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject makes a major contribution to the students' capacity to apply knowledge and skills in finding, retrieving, evaluating, analysing and synthesising information for use by individuals and organisations. In addition it contributes to the students' capacity for, critical inquiry, communicating effectively and work collaboratively.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is delivered in lecture and computer lab mode.

Teaching strategies promote interactive learning and foster exploration extending beyond the classroom. The weekly program includes lectures, group discussions and workshops expanding upon selected themes and readings. Sessions in computer labs enable students to develop the information and digital skills necessary for completion of assignments. The subject uses UTSOnline through which students participate in discussion fora, interact with course colleagues, and access learning resources. Wikis, blogs, ePortfolios and other collaborative tools available via UTSOnline are used to prepare for and deliver some assignment components. Throughout the subject, students are introduced to a range of techniques and technologies associated with the key skills and capabilities required for completing the assignments tasks.

Content

Overview of the creation, production and distribution of information resources: nature, functions and characteristics of information resources
Basic concepts of information access: exploring themes of information seeking and findability in the literature use and implications of networked information systems relevance as a concept and as part of the search experience
Constructing and implementing search strategies for specific purposes or for individual clients: conducting client interviews in virtual and real environments

Developing skills for accessing and assessing content applying advanced search tactics for text and non-text materials in databases, web materials and digital libraries judging relevance and evaluating search results
Identifying and evaluating components of searcher-system interactions: understanding the search process, client interaction mediation and disintermediation the role of the 'expert' for information discovery, virtual inquiry
Value-added analysis and synthesis
Implications of Web2.0 environment for information discovery and analysis.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Learning Activities and Reflective Report

Objective(s):	a, b, c
Weighting:	30%
Task:	This assignment is completed over the first 7 weeks of the semester. It has two parts 1) a collection of completed tasks/exercises (search, analysis, synthesis), and 2) a reflective commentary on intellectual, practical and professional skills development in these tasks carried out (1000-1200 words). Both the collection of exercises and the report are to be placed in the student's ePortfolio. The report must show an active engagement with the theoretical and practical literature in reflecting on individual learning and performance of the tasks.
Assessment criteria:	Effectiveness of searching and writing practices Effectiveness of information aggregation Depth of critical reflection Relevance of theoretical and practical literature Clarity of explanation Accuracy of acknowledgement of sources

Assessment item 2: Case-Based Information Problem Report

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d
Weighting:	40%
Task:	Acting as an 'information expert' for a client, students will address a specific problem by: eliciting and analysing the information requirements of the client, executing appropriate search strategies and evaluation approaches to identify, locate and select appropriate information; preparing value-added analysis of information judged by the student to be appropriate for the client. A professional report (1500-2,000 words) will document and evaluate the student's search and analysis process, summarising the approach taken to all aspects of interaction with the information problem with reference to the theoretical principles underlying the decisions and actions taken.
Assessment criteria:	Thoroughness of analysis and mediation Effectiveness of search strategies Coherence of recommendations Structure and clarity of client information package Relevance of theory to practice Accuracy in acknowledgment of sources

Assessment item 3: Digital Poster Conference (GROUP & INDIVIDUAL Assignment)

Objective(s):	a, d, e
Weighting:	30% (20% group, 10% individual)
Task:	Students will collaborate in creating digital posters/presentations that critically examine themes/issues associated with information discovery and access. Each presentation must include an annotated bibliography of at least five (5) resources, and three (3) questions to facilitate an online discussion of the issue being addressed. In Week 14 in class each group will present a final summary of the issue, providing a further opportunity for discussion.
Assessment criteria:	Relevance and depth of information Selection of literature Clarity of explanation Legibility of the poster Accuracy in acknowledgement of sources Participation in the discussion Contribution to team work

Minimum requirements

Attendance is important in this subject because it is based on a collaborative approach which involves essential workshopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor. An attendance roll will be taken at each class. Where possible, students should advise the tutor in a timely manner if they are unable to attend.

Students who fail to attend 85% of classes may be refused to have their final assessment item assessed (see Rule 3.8).

Indicative references

Specific reading will be assigned on a week-by-week basis in class.

Agosti, M. (ed) 2008, Information access through search engines and digital libraries [electronic resource] Springer, London

Bell, S.S. 2006, Librarian's guide to online searching, Libraries Unlimited, Westport, CN.

Blanken, H.M. et al. (eds), 2007 Multimedia retrieval [electronic resource], Springer, New York

Bowker, G.C. & Star, S.L.S. 1999, Sorting things out: classification and its consequences, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA.

Case, D.O. 2007, Looking for information: a survey of research on information seeking, needs, and behavior, 2nd edn, Elsevier Academic Press, Amsterdam, Boston.

Chowdhury, G.G. 2004, Introduction to modern information retrieval, Facet publishing, London.

Cleveland, D. B. 2000, Introduction to indexing and abstracting, 3rd edn, Libraries Unlimited, Englewood, CO.

Croft, W. B. 2010, Search engines : information retrieval in practice, Addison-Wesley, Boston.

Fisher, K.E., Erdelez, S. & McKechnie, E.F. (eds) 2005, Theories of information behavior, Information Today, Medford, NJ.

Henninger, M. 2008, The hidden Web: Quality information for the Net, 2nd edn UNSW Press, Sydney

Jennerich, E.Z. & Jennerich, E.J. 1997, The reference interview as creative art, 2nd edn, Libraries Unlimited, Englewood, CO.

Katz, W.A. 2002, Introduction to reference work, vol.1. 8th edn, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Kowalski, G. & Maybury, M.T. 2000, Information storage and retrieval systems theory and implementation [electronic resource], Kluwer Academic, Boston, MA.

Kuhlthau, C.C. 2003, Seeking meaning: a process approach to library and information services, 2nd edn, Libraries Unlimited, Westport, CN.

Manning, C.D., Raghavan, P. & Schütze, H. 2008, Introduction to information retrieval [electronic resource] Cambridge University Press, viewed 10 July 2009,

Meadows, C.T. 2007, Text information retrieval systems, 3rd edn, Academic, London.

Morville, P. 2005, Ambient findability [electronic resource], O'Reilly, Sebastopol CA.

Salton, G. & McGill, M. J. 1983, Introduction to modern information retrieval, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Sparck Jones, K., & Willett, P. (eds) 1997, Readings in information retrieval. Morgan Kaufman, San Francisco, CA.

Xie, I. 2008, Interactive information retrieval in digital environments [electronic resource], IGI Pub., Hershey.

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