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LIS322Education2 Unitsintermediate

INFORMATION REPRESENTATION AND PACKAGING

This course introduces students to information representation and packaging, focusing on indexing and abstracting techniques. It equips students with the skills to organize information effectively for efficient retrieval. The course covers indexing principles, systems, and languages, as well as abstracting processes and evaluation methods. Students will learn to construct thesauri and apply ICT in indexing, enhancing their ability to assist information searchers.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
IndexingAbstractingThesaurusInformation RetrievalMetadata

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Indexing Principles

2

Indexing Systems

3

Indexing Languages

4

Abstracting Techniques

5

Thesaurus Construction

6

Information Retrieval

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of library and information science principles

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Indexer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Abstracter

Apply your skills in this growing field

Metadata Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Information Architect

Apply your skills in this growing field

Knowledge Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

LibrariesArchivesMuseumsPublishingOnline Databases

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Concept of Indexing

2h

Unit 1: Definition of index, indexer and indexing

2 study hours
  • •Understand the historical roots of indexing and its evolution
  • •Define index, indexer, and indexing
  • •Explore the qualities of a good indexer
Week
2

Module 1: Concept of Indexing

2h

Unit 2: Purpose of indexes

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the purposes of indexes in information retrieval
  • •Analyze how indexes enhance information access and efficiency
  • •Relate indexing to Ranganathan's laws of library science
Week
3

Module 1: Concept of Indexing

2h

Unit 3: Types of indexes

2 study hours
  • •Identify and classify different types of indexes
  • •Compare alphabetical, author, periodical, and cumulative indexes
  • •Examine citation indexes and their role in research impact assessment
Week
4

Module 2: Indexing principles, systems, process and search process

2h

Unit 1: Indexing principles

2 study hours
  • •Apply the 5Cs of indexing: Correctness, Convention, Completeness, Clarity, Consideration
  • •Discuss practical principles for effective indexing
  • •Practice indexing using specific examples
Week
5

Module 2: Indexing principles, systems, process and search process

2h

Unit 2: Indexing systems

2 study hours
  • •Compare pre-coordinate and post-coordinate indexing systems
  • •Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each system
  • •Apply pre-coordinate indexing to create subject headings
Week
6

Module 2: Indexing principles, systems, process and search process

2h

Unit 3: Indexing process and technique

2 study hours
  • •Describe the familiarization, analysis, and translation stages of indexing
  • •Apply indexing techniques to identify content-carrying words
  • •Use controlled vocabularies to translate terms
Week
7

Module 2: Indexing principles, systems, process and search process

2h

Unit 4: Search process

2 study hours
  • •Describe the search process from the user's perspective
  • •Apply familiarization, analysis, and translation stages in searching
  • •Optimize search strategies using indexes
Week
8

Module 2: Indexing principles, systems, process and search process

2h

Unit 5: Use of information and communication technology in indexing

2 study hours
  • •Explore the role of ICT in indexing
  • •Use word processors to index documents
  • •Evaluate indexing software and web indexing techniques
Week
9

Module 3: Indexing language and evaluation of an index

2h

Unit 1: Definition and components of indexing language

2 study hours
  • •Define indexing language and its components: vocabulary, syntax, semantics
  • •Analyze how indexing language facilitates information access
  • •Apply indexing language principles to create effective indexes
Week
10

Module 3: Indexing language and evaluation of an index

2h

Unit 2: Types of indexing languages

2 study hours
  • •Compare natural, free, and controlled indexing languages
  • •Use controlled vocabularies to standardize indexing terms
  • •Evaluate the importance of controlled vocabularies
Week
11

Module 3: Indexing language and evaluation of an index

2h

Unit 3: Evaluation of an index

2 study hours
  • •Apply recall and precision ratios to evaluate index effectiveness
  • •Discuss the influence of specificity and exhaustivity
  • •Assess the qualities of an effective index
Week
12

Module 4: Concept of abstracting

4h

Unit 1: Definition of an abstract, abstracter and abstracting

2 study hours
  • •Define abstract, abstracter, and abstracting
  • •Differentiate abstracts from annotations, extracts, and summaries
  • •Explore the intellectual contributions of abstracters

Unit 2: Purpose of abstracting

2 study hours
  • •Discuss the purposes of abstracting
  • •Analyze how abstracts aid in information retrieval
  • •Evaluate the role of abstracts in research and decision-making
Week
13

Module 4: Concept of abstracting

2h

Unit 3: Types of abstracts

2 study hours
  • •Compare informative and indicative abstracts
  • •Identify the characteristics of critical, mission-oriented, and discipline-oriented abstracts
  • •Explore author and professional abstracts

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

Create concept maps linking indexing principles to practical applications (Units 1-3)

2

Practice indexing and abstracting different types of documents weekly (Units 4-5)

3

Review controlled vocabularies and thesaurus construction steps (Module 6)

4

Focus on evaluation criteria for indexes and abstracts (Units 3 and 5)

5

Practice past exam questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format

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