Reference & Information Services
- Education
- 200 level
- 2 credit units
- 113 pages
- 14 units
This course introduces the concept of Reference and Information Services, exploring its practices in libraries and information centers. It covers key areas such as reference service theories, information attributes, and the scope of reference services. Students will learn about direct and indirect reference services, reference sources evaluation, and the integration of ICT and social media. The course aims to equip students with the skills to assist users in retrieving information effectively.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 45 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of LIS203, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
LIS203 · UNIT 1: CONCEPT OF INFORMATION
This unit will introduce you to the concept of information. We will discuss data, knowledge and information, we will also discuss the meaning of information, types and attributes of information.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the concept and theories of reference and information services.
- Identify and evaluate various types of reference sources and resources.
- Conduct effective reference interviews to determine user information needs.
- Apply ICT and social media tools to enhance reference service delivery.
- Compile bibliographies using standard citation styles.
- Understand ethical considerations in online reference services.
What it prepares you for
- Reference Librarian
- Information Specialist
- Archivist
- Information Manager
- Knowledge Manager
- Academic Libraries
- Public Libraries
- Special Libraries
- Information Centers
- Research Institutions
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service
Unit 1: Levels and Theories of Reference and Information Services
Understanding the nuances between conservative, liberal, and moderate theories requires critical analysis and comparative thinking.
- Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services
Unit 2 : Criteria for Evaluating Reference Sources
Evaluating the authority, scope, and recency of diverse information resources demands a comprehensive understanding of evaluation criteria.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 28 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts
Unit 1: Concept of Information · 2 hours
Define information and differentiate it from data and knowledge.. Discuss Buckland's characterization of information as process, knowledge, and thing.. Identify and explain the different types of information according to J.H. Shera..
- Week 2Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts
Unit 2: Concept of Reference and Information Service · 2 hours
Explain the concept of reference service and its importance in libraries.. Discuss the role and qualities of a reference librarian.. Define information services and their objectives..
- Week 3Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts
Unit 3: Scope and Functions of Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Determine the scope of reference and information services.. Explain the factors that determine the scope of reference and information services.. Discuss the functions of reference and information service and the roles of the reference librarian..
- Week 4Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service
Unit 1: Levels and Theories of Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Discuss ready reference service and long range reference service.. Explain conservative, liberal, and moderate theories of reference service.. Analyze Fosket's theory and Rostein's theory..
- Week 5Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service
Unit 2: Types of Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Define direct reference and information service.. Discuss the various direct reference and information services, such as readers' advisory and research consulting.. Define indirect reference and information service and discuss its types..
- Week 6Module 2: Levels, Types and Theories of Reference and Information Service
Unit 3: Nature of Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Explain the nature of reference and information service.. Account for the changes in reference and information service provision due to technology.. Discuss the impact of ICT on library services..
- Week 7Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services
Unit 1 : Concept and Types of Reference Sources and Resources · 2 hours
State the meaning of reference sources and resources.. Highlight the characteristics of reference sources and resources.. Identify and discuss the various types of reference sources and resources, including atlases, biographies, and encyclopedias..
- Week 8Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services
Unit 2 : Criteria for Evaluating Reference Sources · 2 hours
Identify the variety of criteria used for information resources evaluation.. Explain the techniques for evaluating printed sources, including author, publisher, and date of publication.. Discuss the criteria for evaluating web resources, such as credibility and currency..
- Week 9Module 3: Types of Reference and Information Services
Unit 3: Compilation of Bibliography · 2 hours
Define bibliography and its functions.. List and discuss the types of bibliography, including national, trade, and subject bibliographies.. Explain the reasons for compiling a bibliography and the steps involved..
- Week 10Module 4: Reference Interview and Models for Reference and Information Services
Unit 1: Reference Interview · 2 hours
Define the term Reference Interview.. Identify the basic guidelines for a successful reference interview, including visibility and approachability.. Explain the importance of listening and inquiring during the interview process..
- Week 11Module 4: Reference Interview and Models for Reference and Information Services
Unit 2: Models for Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Identify the types of models used to provide reference and information services.. Discuss how face-to-face, tiered, roving, and appointment models aid reference and information service delivery in the library.. Explain the benefits of service to remote users..
- Week 12Module 5: ICT Application and Reference and Information Services
Unit 1: Information and Communication Technology and Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Define Information and Communication Technology (ICT).. Identify the types of ICT tools used for reference and Information services, such as email and videoconferencing.. Enumerate the benefits of ICT use in reference and information services..
Unit 2: Online Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Define the concept of Online Reference and Information Services.. Highlight the various types of Online Reference and Information Services.. Discuss the ethical issues in Online Reference Service..
- Week 13Module 5: ICT Application and Reference and Information Services
Unit 3: Application of ICT in Reference and Information Services · 2 hours
Discuss the ICT tools used in Reference and Information Services.. Identify the various social media use in Reference and Information Services.. Demonstrate how various social media are used for reference and information services..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking Units 1-3 to understand the evolution of reference services.
- Practice reference interview techniques from Unit 10 with peers to improve communication skills.
- Review evaluation criteria from Unit 8 and apply them to sample reference sources.
- Compile practice bibliographies using different citation styles (APA, MLA) from Unit 9.
- Focus on ICT tools and social media applications from Units 16-18 and their practical uses.
- Review all TMAs and their feedback to identify areas needing further study.
Questions students ask about this course
What is LIS203 about?
This course introduces the concept of Reference and Information Services, exploring its practices in libraries and information centers. It covers key areas such as reference service theories, information attributes, and the scope of reference services. Students will learn about direct and indirect reference services, reference sources evaluation, and the integration of ICT and social media. The course aims to equip students with the skills to assist users in retrieving information effectively.
How many units does LIS203 have?
LIS203, Reference & Information Services, has 14 units across 5 modules, over 113 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is LIS203?
LIS203 carries 2 credit units, at 200 level in Education.
Is LIS203 hard?
LIS203 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does LIS203 take to study?
About 45 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is LIS203 assessed?
LIS203 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with LIS203?
Reference Librarian, Information Specialist, Archivist, Information Manager and Knowledge Manager.