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CIT141Sciences2 Unitsbeginner

Information Storage & Retrieval

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of information storage and retrieval. It explores data, information, and documentation, emphasizing the importance of systematic organization. Students will learn about classification methods, subject indexing, and indexing languages. The course also covers the role of computers, storage media, records, files, and database management systems in information retrieval. Students will gain skills in searching for information, evaluating information systems, and understanding user needs.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Information RetrievalData StorageIndexingDatabasesClassification

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Beginner Level
Perfect for newcomers to the field
35%
beginner
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Data and Information Concepts

2

Documentation and Classification

3

Subject Indexing

4

Indexing Languages

5

Computer Architecture

6

Storage Media

7

Database Management Systems

8

Information Retrieval

9

User Needs

10

Internet Retrieval

11

System Evaluation

Total Topics11 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Information Architect

Apply your skills in this growing field

Data Entry Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Records Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Library Assistant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Archivist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LibrariesArchivesData CentersGovernment AgenciesResearch Institutions

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: Data and Information

2 study hours
  • •Define data and information.
  • •Differentiate between data and information.
  • •Discuss the value of information.

Unit 2: Document and Documentation

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between information and document.
  • •Describe the characteristics of documents.
  • •Explain the principles and history of documentation.
Week
2

Module 1:

4h

Unit 3: Classification

2 study hours
  • •Explain the meaning and purpose of classification.
  • •Describe several approaches to the creation of categories.
  • •Distinguish between natural and artificial classification.

Unit 4: Subject Indexing

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by subject indexing.
  • •Describe the process of content determination.
  • •Correctly identify concepts to use as index terms.
Week
3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Indexing Language

2 study hours
  • •Explain what is meant by indexing language.
  • •Distinguish between natural and controlled language.
  • •Explain the purpose of controlling vocabulary.
Week
4

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Computers in Information Storage and Retrieval

2 study hours
  • •Explain the strengths of the computer.
  • •Explain the history of the development of computers.
  • •Describe the organization of a computer system.
Week
5

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Storage Media

2 study hours
  • •Explain how the computer represents data.
  • •Describe the technical features of a number of storage devices.
  • •Compare and contrast different storage media.
Week
6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Records and Files

2 study hours
  • •Distinguish between records, files and directories (or folders).
  • •Identify the elements of a bibliographic record.
  • •Describe the ways files are organized.
Week
7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Databases

2 study hours
  • •Explain the problems of customized file approach.
  • •Explain the basic concept of database.
  • •Enumerate the advantages of centralized database approach.
Week
8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Database Management System

2 study hours
  • •Explain what a database management system is.
  • •Explain the concept of database schema.
  • •Explain the concept of query languages.
Week
9

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: Concept of Information Retrieval System

2 study hours
  • •Describe a document retrieval system.
  • •Explain the concept of information retrieval.
  • •Describe the organization of an information retrieval system.
Week
10

Module 3:

2h

Unit 2: The Role of Information Centres

2 study hours
  • •Define 'Information Centre'.
  • •Explain the role of various information centres in information storage and retrieval.
  • •Differentiate between different types of information centers.
Week
11

Module 3:

4h

Unit 3: Information Users and User Needs

2 study hours
  • •Define who a user of an information system is.
  • •Define a user community.
  • •Explain the factors that discourage prospective users from using an information system.

Unit 4: Searching for Information

2 study hours
  • •Explain informal source of information.
  • •Find and retrieve information in the library.
  • •Retrieve information from a database.
Week
12

Module 3:

2h

Unit 5: Document–Term Matrix

2 study hours
  • •Construct a document-term matrix.
  • •Identify the documents that constitute the membership of a subject class in a matrix.
  • •Explain the relevance of the document-term matrix to the performance of a retrieval system.
Week
13

Module 4:

4h

Unit 1: Retrieval from the Internet

2 study hours
  • •Explain what the internet is.
  • •Use electronic mail.
  • •Identify web site addresses.
  • •Describe other important facilities on the Internet.

Unit 2: Evaluation of Information Systems and Services: Part I

2 study hours
  • •Explain the purpose of evaluation.
  • •Define evaluation of effectiveness.
  • •Enumerate and explain evaluation criteria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review definitions of data, information, and documentation (Units 1-2).

2

Practice classifying documents using different classification schemes (Unit 3).

3

Create index terms for sample documents (Unit 4).

4

Understand the differences between natural and controlled indexing languages (Unit 5).

5

Study the components of a computer system and their roles in information storage (Module 2).

6

Practice formulating search queries using Boolean operators (Unit 4 Module 3).

7

Understand the key evaluation metrics for information retrieval systems (Module 4).

8

Review past Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs) and self-assessment exercises.

9

Create flashcards for key terms and concepts.

10

Allocate time for thorough review of each module.

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