INFO 5390 / 2016
/ UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS
College of Information
Department of Library and Information Sciences
INFO 5390: Technical Services in Libraries and Information Centers
Fall 2016

COURSE INFORMATION
INFO 5390: Technical Services in Libraries and Information Centers
No mandatory online meeting times
Professor / Instructor Contact Information
Dr. Sian Brannon, Assistant Dean for Collection Management
Library Annex, room 112
940.891.6945
Office hours – by appointment
(best way to get ahold of me)

The role of the instructor in the course, unlike that of a face-to-face classroom environment, is as a guide or facilitator to you individually and to the class as a whole. Please contact me immediately if you are having trouble or if you are unclear about any matter pertaining to the course. With few exceptions, I log into the course several times each week during the semester, including weekends, and will respond promptly to any postings or messages. Questions should be posted as they arise about the learning modules, discussions, assignments, policies, procedures, etc. to the 'Instructor' forum within the discussion board or 'Course Mail' linked in the course menu.

Materials – Text, Readings, Supplementary Readings
There is no required textbook for the course, but there are readings to locate, download, and read. There will also be supplementary readings suggested for each module.

Course Description
Management of technical processes in libraries and information centers of all types and sizes: principles, processes and practices, issues, trends and research in such technical areas as acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, serials control, database maintenance, library security, reserve collections and materials preparation.

In the course, you will study the management of technical services in libraries and other information centers of all types and sizes, focusing on basic concepts, terminology, processes, problems, and issues. The three-credit hour course is delivered 100% via Blackboard Learn (BB Learn) over the Internet. It is not an independent study or correspondence course. The prerequisite is INFO 5200, or consent of department.

The overall goal of the course is to provide you with basic knowledge needed for a beginning role as a knowledgeable and effective supervisor, manager, coordinator, general staff member, and/or user of technical services within a library or other information center of all types and sizes. Objectives are that, upon completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the basic concepts, terminology, and processes of technical services work in acquisitions, cataloging, and preservation
  • Discuss pertinent trends and issues facing technical services
  • Demonstrate familiarity with professional standards and job responsibilities related to technical services positions

COURSE CALENDAR

Week / Dates (M – S) / Learning Modules / Assignments
1 / Aug. 29-Sept. 4 / Introduction to Technical Services – the course / Syllabus quiz due bySeptember 4, 11:59pm
Prof will give details for observation/ interview paper
2 / Sept. 5-11 / Technical Services – a profession / Prof will give details/assign vendors for ILS vendor review
3 / Sept. 12-18 / Automation & Systems / Pick a local library Technical Services/Access Services department to observe and interview
Prof will give details for resume/cover letter assignment
4 / Sept. 19-25 / Management & Budgeting / ILS vendor review due by September 25, 11:59pm
5 / Sept. 26-Oct. 2 / NO LESSONS!
END-OF-PROGRAM EXAMS / There is still a Discussion Board post requirement this week!
Prof will give details about budgeting assignment
6 / Oct. 3-9 / Vendors / Resume and Cover Letter due by October 9, 11:59pm
7 / Oct. 10-16 / Collection Development & Selection
8 / Oct. 17-23 / Acquisitions & Licensing / Budgeting assignment due October 23, 11:59pm
9 / Oct. 24-30 / Cataloging Services / Prof will give details about processing assignment
10 / Oct. 31-Nov. 6 / Serials
11 / Nov. 7-13 / Processing & Preservation Services & Access Services
12 / Nov. 14-20 / Assessment of Technical Services / Processing examples due November 20, 11:59pm
13 / Nov. 21-27 / Real Life – Resumes and Job Postings
14 / Nov. 28-Dec. 4 / Ethics / Observation/Interview paper due December 4, 11:59pm
15 / Dec. 5-11 / Review and Wrap Up

Each module has a discussion forum. Module discussion forums are available only during the dates/times indicated in the course calendar.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1.The student will access and follow all course instructions found in the weekly/unit content area of the Blackboard course.

2.The student will listen to/read all online lectures and required readings provided in the course.

3.The student will respond to posted online course discussion questions using the Blackboard discussion tool.

4.The student will complete and submit assignments electronically using the Blackboard assignment drop box tool/tab.

ASSESSMENT & GRADING

Thiscourse is made up of a series of assignments and assessments to assist you in achieving the course learning objectives/outcomes. Each week you will work on various combinations of activities, discussions, readings, research, etc. which will be made available to youby each Monday and close on the following Sunday. More details about assignments are given by the professor according to the calendar above.

Due Date / Assignment / Points
9/4 / Syllabus quiz / 20
9/25 / Vendor review / 100
10/9 / Resume review / 100
10/9 / Cover Letter review / 100
10/23 / Budgeting assignment / 100
11/20 / Processing Examples / 100
12/4 / Technical Services Department Interview/Observation / 300
Ongoing / Discussion Board Postings / 60
Total / 880

Grading

Grade / Point Range
A / 792-880
B / 704-791
C / 616-703
D / 528-615
F / 0 – 614

Assignment 1: Syllabus Quiz (20 points) - A simple online quiz to make sure you have seen salient points in the syllabus.

Assignment 2: Technical Services Department Interview/Observation(300 points) - Students will submit a minimum of 5 page case-study of a technical services department of their choice. Students will observe and interview people in the department to describe the functions and responsibilities, and highlight any current issues the department is facing.

Assignment 3: Resume Review (100 points) - Using an instructor-specified, current technical services job posting as a reference, students will submit a resume containing their educational experience, work history, and relevant skills. The instructor will review for consistency, formatting, spelling, punctuation, and then provide feedback to the student on how to improve and relate it to the specific job posting.

Assignment 4: Cover Letter Review(100 points) - Using the same instructor-specified, current technical services job posting utilized for the Resume Review, students will submit a cover letter as if they were applying for that position. The instructor will review for consistency, formatting, spelling, punctuation, and then provide feedback to the student on how to improve and relate it to the specific job posting.

Assignment 5: Mock Budget(100 points) - The professor will give students a budget to divide amongst various departments in a fictitious library. Students will have to justify amounts assigned to each area.

Assignment 6: ILS Vendor Review(100 points) - The professor will assign each student a current library vendor used in Technical Services. Each student will prepare a summary of the vendor’s products and services to share with the entire class.

Assignment 7: Processing Examples (100 points) - Students will visit their local library and take pictures of at least 10 different types of processing used on various formats. A short summary statement will accompany each photograph.

Assignment 8: Discussion Board Postings(60 points) - Students are expected to respond to discussion board questions posted by the instructor and contribute to discussions made by other students. A minimum of 4 substantive posts per week are necessary to earn full points.

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SCHOLARLY EXPECTATIONS
All works submitted for credit must be original works created by the scholar uniquely for the class. It is considered inappropriate and unethical, particularly at the graduate level, to make duplicate submissions of a single work for credit in multiple classes, unless specifically requested by the instructor. Work submitted at the graduate level is expected to demonstrate higher-order thinking skills and be of significantly higher quality than work produced at the undergraduate level.

COURSE POLICIES

Course Expectations

Students are required to login regularly to the online class site. The instructor will use the tracking feature in Blackboard to monitor student activity. Students are also required to participate in all class activities such as discussion board, chat or conference sessions and group projects.

Class Participation

Participation in discussion board is part of your grade. Just like in a f2f class, there will be some questions you choose to respond to and some you will not answer. I will deny any student access to this class who has not logged in and/or participated in 14 days.I realize some of you may have scheduled trips that do not include internet access. You are still responsible for all work and it is expected that it will be turned in on time. Do not ask for special favors because of travel.In case of extended illness or family emergency, please contact me so that we can work out any accommodations that need to be worked out. It is preferable to contact me with issues BEFORE not turning in an assignment rather than after it was due.

Late Projects and Assignments
Discussion postings are NOT accepted late. Modules will begin on Monday morning and end on Sunday night. Please do not ask for special consideration. This late policy applies to all situations.

All assignments will be lowered by one grade level for each day late. If these assignments are over 2 days late they will NOT be accepted. After two days, the grade will be a 0. No exceptions.After the Assignment link closes, assignments will need to be e-mailed through BB.

Check your submissions to be sure they are in Microsoft Word and posted correctly. Late penalties will be assessed for assignments that are not posted correctly. Do note that if you use a Mac, there are sometimes submission problems. Saving your files as Rich text (rtf) will usually solve that issue. Go to “Save As” to choose the format.

Virtual Classroom Citizenship
The same guidelines that apply to traditional classes should be observed in the virtual classroom environment. Please use proper netiquette when interacting with class members and the professor.

Incompletes
See the UNT Graduate Catalog for policies and UNT semester schedule for deadlines. A grade of Incomplete (I) will be given only for a justifiable reason, if you are passing the course, and if you have submitted a request for an incomplete with the instructor (use the course mail). You are responsible for contacting the instructor to request an incomplete and discuss requirements for completing the course. If an incomplete is not removed within the time frame agreed upon by you and the instructor, you will receive a grade of F.

Copyright Notice
Some or all of the materials on this course Web site may be protected by copyright. Federal copyright law prohibits the reproduction, distribution, public performance, or public display of copyrighted materials without the express and written permission of the copyright owner, unless fair use or another exemption under copyright law applies. Additional copyright information may be located at:

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UNT POLICIES

Student Conduct and Discipline: Code of Student Conduct
Academic Honesty Policy
You are encouraged to become familiar with the University's Policy of Academic dishonesty found in the Code of Student Conduct. The content of the Handbook applies to this course. If you are in doubt regarding the requirements, please consult with me before you complete any requirements of the course.

ADA Policy

The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at 940.565.4323.

Administrative Withdrawal
See the UNT Graduate Catalog for policies and UNT semester schedule for deadlines. A grade of Withdraw (W) or Withdraw-Failing (WF) will be given depending on your participation and grades to date. Note that if you simply disappear and do not file a UNT withdrawal form without notifying the instructor, you may receive an F. You are responsible for ensuring that the withdrawal process is completed.

Add/Drop Policy
Please refer to the UNT Faculty Handbook or your department regarding the Add/Drop Policy.

Important Notice for F-1 Students taking Distance Education Courses: Federal Regulation

To read detailed Immigration and Customs Enforcement regulations for F-1 students taking online courses, please go to the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website at The specific portion concerning distance education courses is located at "Title 8 CFR 214.2 Paragraph (f) (6) (i) (G)” and can be found buried within this document:

University of North Texas Compliance

To comply with immigration regulations, an F-1 visa holder within the United States may need to engage in an on-campus experiential component for this course. This component (which must be approved in advance by the instructor) can include activities such as taking an on-campus exam, participating in an on-campus lecture or lab activity, or other on-campus experience integral to the completion of this course.

If such an on-campus activity is required, it is the student’s responsibility to do the following:

(1) Submit a written request to the instructor for an on-campus experiential component within one week of the start of the course.
(2) Ensure that the activity on campus takes place and the instructor documents it in writing with a notice sent to the International Student and Scholar Services Office. ISSS has a form available that you may use for this purpose.

Because the decision may have serious immigration consequences, if an F-1 student is unsure about his or her need to participate in an on-campus experiential component for this course, s/he should contact the UNT International Student and Scholar Services Office (telephone 940-565-2195 or email ) to get clarification before the one-week deadline.

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TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / ASSISTANCE

The following information has been provided to assist you in preparation for the technological aspect of the course.

Help Desk:
Hardware and software necessary to use Bb Learn:
Internet Access with compatible web browser

Minimum Technical Skills Needed:
Using the learning management system
Using email with attachments
Creating and submitting files in commonly used word processing program formats
Copying and pasting
Downloading and installing software
Using spreadsheet programs
Student Support
The University of North Texas provides student technical support in the use of Blackboard and supported resources. The student help desk may be reached at:
Email:
Phone: 940.565-2324
In Person: Sage Hall, Room 130

Regular hours are maintained to provide support to students. Please refer to the website ( for updated hours.

Policy on Server Unavailability or Other Technical Difficulties
The University is committed to providing a reliable online course system to all users. However, in the event of any unexpected server outage or any unusual technical difficulty which prevents students from completing a time sensitive assessment activity, the instructor will extend the time windows and provide an appropriate accommodation based on the situation. Students should immediately report any problems to the instructor and also contact the UNT Student Help Desk: r 940.565.2324. The instructor and the UNT Student Help Desk will work with the student to resolve any issues at the earliest possible time.

ACCESS & NAVIGATION

Access and Log in Information
This course was developed and will be facilitated utilizing the University of North Texas’ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn. To get started with the course, please go to:

You will need your EUID and password to log in to the course. If you do not know your EUID or have forgotten your password, please go to: As a student, you will have access to:

  • Student Orientation via Blackboard Learn. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials within the Orientation to better equip you in navigating the course.
  • Blackboard’s On Demand Learning Center for Students. It is recommended that you become familiar with the tools and tutorials to better equip you to navigate the course.
  • From within Blackboard, you will have access to the “UNT Helpdesk” tab which provides student resources and Help Desk Information.

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RESOURCES

Links to Academic Support Services, such as Office of Disability Accommodation, Counseling and Testing Services, UNT Libraries, Online Tutoring, UNT Writing Lab and Math Tutor Lab can be located within Blackboard Learn on the “Academic Support” tab.

UNT Portal:

UNT Blackboard Learn Student Resources: Technical Support:

UNT Library Information for Off-Campus Users:

UNT Academic Resources for Students:

Computer Labs: General access computer lab information (including locations and hours of operation) can be located at:

1 / University of North Texas