Information Technologies for Libraries and Information Agencies [17:610:550]
Course Description
This course gives students with a hands-on introduction to software tools and technology used in the provision of information services. Students will learn key concepts in Web technologies (e.g., HTML, CSS), Web programming (e.g., JavaScript, PHP) and data management (e.g., XML, MySQL). Students will learn how to use and evaluate Web services, social software and open source software tools. Students will learn how information technology is used in today’s libraries, e.g., integrated library systems, technical services, document management, and provision of Web services. The knowledge and skills conveyed in this course will assist students in applying information, web and data technologies in various information services and in further related MLIS courses.
Learning Objectives
- Collaborate with others using Web Services and Wikis to create and share information resources.
- Understand the Basics of XML to create well-formed and valid XML documents and to understand Meta Data schemas.
- Create and upload HTML Web pages that are standards compliant and contain relative and absolute links, tables, images and embedded video or data widgets.
- Demonstrate use of a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) program to transfer html, image and/or other files/documents to a web server.
- Explain the importance and process of proper HTML document creation, and the issues of browser support and bandwidth restrictions in regards to website design.
- Design external Cascading Style Sheets that control the layout and visual appearance of a set of Web pages.
- Create simple HyperText Markup Language (HTML) pages for information delivery via the WWW. Such pages should include use of HTML for structure, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) for formatting and/or layout, and HTML Tables or DIVs for layout/structure.
- Record screencasts and Work with Different Media Types, such as images, audio and video, and perform file conversions.
- Understand the Basics of JavaScript to create simple or customize existing code examples.
- Understand the Basics of Scripting Languages, such as PHP, to create simple and useful scripts.
- Create a Database Application using MySQL that shows information organized into one or more Tables, a data entry Form, multiple Queries for simple information retrieval, and one or more Reports for the presentation of information.
- Evaluate an Open Source Software Tool and understand the advantages and disadvantages of using such tools in a library or business setting.