Information Retrieval (Cataloguing)
- Education
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 120 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces the concept of information retrieval, focusing on cataloguing as a core function in libraries. It explores the role of cataloguing in facilitating timely access to information resources. The course covers information retrieval processes, cataloguing codes, normative principles, and practical cataloguing techniques. Students will learn to define information retrieval, understand library catalogues, and apply cataloguing principles to organize information resources effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 40 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- LIS101: Introduction to Library and Information Science
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Computer based tests
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS202, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS202 · UNIT 2 INFORMATION RETRIEVAL PROCESS IN LIBRARIES
In unit 1, you learnt the meaning of information retrieval and its relevance in libraries. In this unit, you will learn the process of information retrieval and all the basic functions that are involved in this process.
What you should be able to do
- Define information retrieval and its relevance in libraries.
- Describe the purpose, types, and forms of library catalogues.
- Discuss the history and development of cataloguing codes.
- Explain the normative principles of cataloguing.
- Apply descriptive and subject cataloguing techniques.
- Create added entries and choose appropriate access points.
What it prepares you for
- Cataloguer
- Metadata Specialist
- Information Architect
- Library Assistant
- Archivist
- Libraries
- Archives
- Museums
- Information Centers
- Digital Repositories
- Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs)
- RDA Toolkit
- Cataloger's Desktop
- Integrated Library Systems (ILS)
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: History and development of cataloguing codes
Unit 1: Development of individual codes
Understanding the nuances and historical context behind each individual code requires significant memorization and comparative analysis.
- Module 3: History and development of cataloguing codes
Unit 2: The development of AACR and AACR2
The numerous revisions and amendments to AACR2 over the years make it challenging to keep track of the current standards and their implications.
- Module 5: Cataloguing of information resources
Unit 1: Definition and types of cataloguing
Applying AACR2 rules requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the code's structure, which can be difficult for beginners.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Concept of information retrieval
Unit 1: Concept and relevance of information retrieval in libraries · 2 hours
Define information retrieval and its importance.. Discuss the role of libraries in facilitating information access.. Explore the concepts of in-house and online information retrieval systems..
- Week 2Module 1: Concept of information retrieval
Unit 2: Information retrieval process in libraries · 2 hours
Explain the activities involved in the information retrieval process.. Discuss the acquisition, processing, storage, and querying of information resources.. Understand the importance of feedback in the information retrieval process..
- Week 3Module 2: Information retrieval tools in libraries: catalogue
Unit 1: Definition and objectives of the library catalogue · 2 hours
Define the library catalogue and its objectives.. Explain the importance of the catalogue as an information retrieval tool.. Describe the relationship between the catalogue and the five laws of library science..
- Week 4Module 2: Information retrieval tools in libraries: catalogue
Unit 2: Forms and characteristics of the library catalogue · 2 hours
List and explain the different forms of a library catalogue.. Enumerate the advantages and disadvantages of each form of catalogue.. Discuss the characteristics of the library catalogue..
- Week 5Module 2: Information retrieval tools in libraries: catalogue
Unit 3: Arrangement and method of preparation of the library catalogue · 2 hours
Explain the arrangement of entries in the library catalogue.. Discuss the methods of preparing the library catalogue.. Compare alphabetical and classified arrangement methods..
- Week 6Module 2: Information retrieval tools in libraries: catalogue
Unit 4: Strategies for facilitating effective use of the library catalogue · 2 hours
Discuss the direct method of facilitating the use of the library catalogue.. Describe the indirect method of facilitating the use of the library catalogue.. Explore strategies for promoting effective catalogue use..
- Week 7Module 3: History and development of cataloguing codes
Unit 1: Development of individual codes · 2 hours
Highlight the contributions of Anthony Panizzi.. State the contributions of Charles Coffin Jewett.. Highlight the contributions of Charles Ammi Cutter..
- Week 8Module 3: History and development of cataloguing codes
Unit 2: The development of AACR and AACR2 · 2 hours
Trace the historical development of the AACR 1967.. Outline the contributions of Seymour Lubetzky to the development of AACR.. Discuss the evolution of cataloguing rules..
- Week 9Module 3: History and development of cataloguing codes
Unit 3: The development of Resource Description and Access (RDA) · 2 hours
Explain the factors that led to the development of RDA.. Enumerate the objectives of RDA.. Highlight the differences between RDA and AACR2..
- Week 10Module 4: Normative principles of cataloguing
Unit 1: The canons of cataloguing · 2 hours
List and explain the general laws relating to the organization of knowledge.. Discuss the canons of cataloguing.. Understand the normative principles of cataloguing..
- Week 11Module 4: Normative principles of cataloguing
Unit 2: Purpose and application of the canons of cataloguing in the Digital Age · 2 hours
Discuss the purpose of the canons of cataloguing.. Explain how the canons of cataloguing have been applied in the Digital Age.. Analyze the relevance of normative principles in modern cataloguing..
- Week 12Module 5: Cataloguing of information resources
Unit 1: Definition and types of cataloguing · 2 hours
Explain the meaning of cataloguing.. Discuss the types of cataloguing: descriptive and subject cataloguing.. Understand the elements of descriptive cataloguing according to AACR2..
- Week 13Module 5: Cataloguing of information resources
Unit 2: Added entries, choice of access points and forms of headings · 2 hours
Describe added entries and tracing.. Enumerate the works that can be entered under a corporate body.. Outline the conditions for title main entry and discuss the guidelines of AACR2 as regards shared responsibility..
Unit 3: The process of cataloguing (practical) · 2 hours
Catalogue a book and produce added entry cards.. Apply the principles of descriptive and subject cataloguing.. Practice cataloguing techniques..
Preparing for the exam
- Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key definitions and concepts.
- Practice cataloguing different types of information resources using AACR2 rules.
- Review the history and development of cataloguing codes, focusing on key figures and events.
- Understand the normative principles of cataloguing and their application in modern cataloguing practices.
- Familiarize yourself with the structure and use of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) and Sears List of Subject Headings (SLSH).
- Practice creating added entries and choosing appropriate access points for different types of materials.
- Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and identify areas for improvement.
- Create flashcards for key terms and concepts to aid memorization.
- Allocate specific study hours for each module, prioritizing areas of weakness.
- Practice time management during mock exams to simulate the actual exam environment.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS202 about?
This course introduces the concept of information retrieval, focusing on cataloguing as a core function in libraries. It explores the role of cataloguing in facilitating timely access to information resources. The course covers information retrieval processes, cataloguing codes, normative principles, and practical cataloguing techniques. Students will learn to define information retrieval, understand library catalogues, and apply cataloguing principles to organize information resources effectively.
How many units does LIS202 have?
LIS202, Information Retrieval (Cataloguing), has 13 units across 5 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS202?
LIS202 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Education.
Is LIS202 hard?
LIS202 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS202 take to study?
About 40 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is LIS202 assessed?
LIS202 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments, computer based tests and final examination.
What do I need before starting LIS202?
LIS101: Introduction to Library and Information Science
What can I do with LIS202?
Cataloguer, Metadata Specialist, Information Architect, Library Assistant and Archivist.