Information Resources in Subject Areas

1. Discuss information resources by subject disciplines
2. Examine the nature of subjects and information generation
3. Identify communication patterns in organizations
4. Understand bibliographic organization
5. Provide practice in reference resources
6. Provide experience in database usage

13 weeks, about 43 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Concepts Information Resources in Subject Areas

   • Unit 1: Communication · 2 hours

     Read the unit introduction to understand the importance of communication.. Define communication and identify its different forms.. Discuss the upward, downward, horizontal, and cross-wise dimensions of communication.. Complete the self-assessment exercise to check your understanding..

   • Unit 2: Bibliographies · 2 hours

     Define the term bibliography and explain its importance in libraries.. Differentiate between selective, enumerative, analytical and annotated bibliographies.. Give examples of bibliographies and their uses.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

2. Week 2Module 1: Concepts Information Resources in Subject Areas

   • Unit 3: Information Resources and Services · 2 hours

     Discuss the concept of information resources and their role in research.. Classify different types of information resources, including print and non-print resources.. Explain the dissemination of information and the role of current awareness services.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

   • Unit 4: Documentary sources of Information · 2 hours

     Define the concept of a document and its role as a source of information.. Explain the classification of documentary sources of information, including original and legal documents.. Identify primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

3. Week 3Module 1: Concepts Information Resources in Subject Areas

   • Unit 5: Reference Resources · 2 hours

     Explain the concept of reference resources and their importance in libraries.. Discuss how reference sources are used for general and specific purposes.. Understand the role of reference librarians in assisting users.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

4. Week 4Module 2: Communication Patterns

   • Unit 1: Communication Patterns · 2 hours

     Explain what a communication pattern is and how it affects information flow.. Discuss the circle, chain, Y, and wheel patterns with examples.. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each communication pattern.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

   • Unit 2: Communication Flow Patterns and Network · 2 hours

     Explain communication flow and its importance in organizations.. Detail the forms of communication flow patterns, including downward, upward, and horizontal communication.. Discuss what a communication network is and its role in information sharing.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

5. Week 5Module 2: Communication Patterns

   • Unit 3: Communication Process and Barriers · 3 hours

     Explain the communication process and its key elements.. Discuss the importance of effective communication in organizations.. Identify and explain the barriers to communication, including semantic, psychological, and organizational barriers.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

6. Week 6Module 3: Bibliographic Organisation

   • Unit 1: Bibliography · 2 hours

     Explain what a bibliography is and its purpose in academic writing.. Discuss what information a bibliography should contain, such as author, title, and publication details.. Understand the different formatting styles used in bibliographies.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

   • Unit 2: Types of Bibliographies · 2 hours

     Differentiate between analytical, annotated, and enumerative bibliographies.. Give details of general and special bibliographies.. Understand the characteristics of each type of bibliography.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

7. Week 7Module 3: Bibliographic Organisation

   • Unit 3: Enumerative Bibliography · 3 hours

     Discuss what a subject bibliography is and its importance in research.. Discuss types of subject bibliographies, including reference bibliographies and reading lists.. Understand the role of subject indexes and abstracting services.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

8. Week 8Module 4: Information Resources and Reference Services In Subject Areas

   • Unit 1: Humanities · 3 hours

     Discuss information resources in the humanities, including manuscripts, books, and journals.. Understand the characteristics of information resources in literature.. Identify literary forms and their significance.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

9. Week 9Module 4: Information Resources and Reference Services In Subject Areas

   • Unit 2: Social Sciences · 3 hours

     Discuss information resources in the social sciences, including encyclopedias, yearbooks, and directories.. Understand the different types of resources used by learners, teachers, and researchers.. Identify curriculum materials and bibliographies relevant to social sciences.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

10. Week 10Module 4: Information Resources and Reference Services In Subject Areas

    • Unit 3: Pure and Applied Sciences · 3 hours

      Discuss information resources in pure and applied sciences, including periodicals, patents, and dissertations.. Understand the methods scientists use to access information.. Identify bibliographic sources and reviews relevant to science.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

11. Week 11Module 4: Information Resources and Reference Services In Subject Areas

    • Unit 4: Reference Services · 2 hours

      Discuss reference services in humanities, social sciences, and pure and applied sciences.. Understand the different types of reference services, including short-range and long-range queries.. Explain the role of referral services in guiding information seekers.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

    • Unit 5: Types of Reference Sources · 2 hours

      Give details of general and subject reference sources for the humanities, social sciences, and pure and applied sciences.. Understand the characteristics of different types of reference tools, such as dictionaries and encyclopedias.. Identify the appropriate reference source for specific information needs.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

12. Week 12Module 5: Use of Databases Related to The Fields

    • Unit 1: Library Database · 3 hours

      Explain what a library database is and its importance in accessing reliable resources.. Discuss the dimensions of library databases, including field-specific and general databases.. Understand the characteristics of bibliographic, citation, and full-text databases.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..

13. Week 13Module 5: Use of Databases Related to The Fields

    • Unit 2: Types of Library Database · 3 hours

      Discuss types of databases and their use in related fields.. Give details of literature search and database services.. Understand the steps involved in literature search and the skills needed.. Complete the self-assessment exercise..