ABOUT THE COURSE:This course provides a comprehensive overview of information sources, services, and systems, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to navigate the vast landscape of information resources. Spanning 12 weeks, it covers the classification, evaluation, and effective utilization of primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, along with modern digital and institutional information services. The course also delves into specialized tools, user studies, and the role of libraries in information dissemination, fostering a holistic understanding of contemporary information practices.INTENDED AUDIENCE: UG AND PGPREREQUISITES: BA/B.SC/B.COM/MA/M.SC/M.COMINDUSTRY SUPPORT: Library Professionals

Syllabus

Week 1: Concept and Definitions of Information Sources, Primary Information Sources: Definition, Examples, and Use, Secondary Information Sources: Definition, Examples, and Use, Tertiary Information Sources: Definition, Examples, and Use, Concept of Reference Sources
Week 2:Background Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Background Sources, Current Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Current Sources, Bibliographical Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope
Week 3:Evaluation of Two Representative Bibliographical Sources, Language Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Language Sources, Biographical Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Biographical Sources
Week 4:Educational Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Educational Sources, Geographical Sources: Definition, Purpose, and Scope, Evaluation of Two Representative Geographical Sources, Reference Services: Concept and Definition
Week 5:Reference Interview: Concept, Purpose, and Stages, Search Techniques: Strategies for Effective Information Retrieval, Documentary Sources: Types and Characteristics, Non-Documentary Sources: Types and Characteristics, Information Sources: Criteria for Evaluation
Week 6:Electronic Information Resources: Subject Gateways, Web Portals and Bulletin Boards, Discussion Forums and Groups, E-Journals and Consortia, Current Awareness Service (CAS)
Week 7:Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI), Inter-Library Loan Services, Document Delivery Services, NISCAIR: Objectives and Services, DESIDOC: Objectives and Services
Week 8:SENDOC: Objectives and Services, ENVIS: Objectives and Services, INFLIBNET: Objectives and Services, DELNET: Objectives and Services, National Knowledge Network (NKN)
Week 9:Biotechnology Information System Network (BTISNET), INIS: Objectives and Services, AGRIS: Objectives and Services, INSPEC: Objectives and Services, MEDLARS: Objectives and Services
Week 10:BIOSIS: Objectives and Services, ERIC: Objectives and Services, Patent Information System (PIS), Biotechnology Information System (BIS), User Studies: Concept and Importance
Week 11:User Education: Methods and Techniques, Subject Gateways: Role in Research, Bulletin Boards: Applications in Information Services, Modern Tools for Reference and Information Services, Role of Libraries in Disseminating Information Services
Week 12:Information Product: Concept, Types, and Characteristics, Information Intermediaries: Role and Functions, Information Users: Categories and Characteristics, Information Needs: Identification and Assessment, Relationship Between Information Products, Intermediaries, and Users