Information Storage & Retrieval

1. Explain the concepts of data, information, and documentation.
2. Classify information using different classification schemes.
3. Apply subject indexing techniques for information retrieval.
4. Describe the architecture of a computer and its role in storage and retrieval.
5. Explain the functions of Database Management Systems.
6. Formulate search strategies for information retrieval.
7. Evaluate the performance of information systems.

13 weeks, about 34 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1:

   • Unit 1: Data and Information · 2 hours

     Define data and information.. Differentiate between data and information.. Discuss the value of information..

   • Unit 2: Document and Documentation · 2 hours

     Distinguish between information and document.. Describe the characteristics of documents.. Explain the principles and history of documentation..

2. Week 2Module 1:

   • Unit 3: Classification · 2 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 hours

     Explain what is meant by subject indexing.. Describe the process of content determination.. Correctly identify concepts to use as index terms..

3. Week 3Module 1:

   • Unit 5: Indexing Language · 2 hours

     Explain what is meant by indexing language.. Distinguish between natural and controlled language.. Explain the purpose of controlling vocabulary..

4. Week 4Module 2:

   • Unit 1: Computers in Information Storage and Retrieval · 2 hours

     Explain the strengths of the computer.. Explain the history of the development of computers.. Describe the organization of a computer system..

5. Week 5Module 2:

   • Unit 2: Storage Media · 2 hours

     Explain how the computer represents data.. Describe the technical features of a number of storage devices.. Compare and contrast different storage media..

6. Week 6Module 2:

   • Unit 3: Records and Files · 2 hours

     Distinguish between records, files and directories (or folders).. Identify the elements of a bibliographic record.. Describe the ways files are organized..

7. Week 7Module 2:

   • Unit 4: Databases · 2 hours

     Explain the problems of customized file approach.. Explain the basic concept of database.. Enumerate the advantages of centralized database approach..

8. Week 8Module 2:

   • Unit 5: Database Management System · 2 hours

     Explain what a database management system is.. Explain the concept of database schema.. Explain the concept of query languages..

9. Week 9Module 3:

   • Unit 1: Concept of Information Retrieval System · 2 hours

     Describe a document retrieval system.. Explain the concept of information retrieval.. Describe the organization of an information retrieval system..

10. Week 10Module 3:

    • Unit 2: The Role of Information Centres · 2 hours

      Define 'Information Centre'.. Explain the role of various information centres in information storage and retrieval.. Differentiate between different types of information centers..

11. Week 11Module 3:

    • Unit 3: Information Users and User Needs · 2 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 hours

      Explain informal source of information.. Find and retrieve information in the library.. Retrieve information from a database..

12. Week 12Module 3:

    • Unit 5: Document–Term Matrix · 2 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..

13. Week 13Module 4:

    • Unit 1: Retrieval from the Internet · 2 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 hours

      Explain the purpose of evaluation.. Define evaluation of effectiveness.. Enumerate and explain evaluation criteria..