Module Information

Module Identifier
DS30210
Module Title
Information Sources
Academic Year
2024/2025
Co-ordinator
Semester
Distance Learning
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment User study : interview and analyis (3,000 words)  100%
Supplementary Assessment User study : interview and analyis (3,000 words)  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Outline different approaches to studying information sources and their value to specific users

Discuss critically the role, value and function of a range of information sources

Critically evaluate various information sources

Plan and carry out a research interview with one individual

Analyse basic interview data

Use ICT skills to gain access to a range of tools to access information sources

Brief description

This module adopts a user-centred approach to the study of information sources. It examines the range information sources that may be used by particular groups and individuals, and the context for this use. It includes an in depth discussion of some key information sources, both new and well established, and discusses the impact of new technologies such as the internet on information use. Practical experience is provided in using various information tools, including bibliographic databases, web-based resources and other electronic resources, which provide users with access to information, either directly or indirectly. As more users are now involved in searching for their own information, the module will also examine how to evaluate sources of information, especially those available on the world wide web.

Content

Unit 1. The variety of information sources, their use and study. Broad based introduction to the module including an extended introduction to the module assignment (a critical analysis of information sources resulting from a user interview).
Unit 2. Books and journals in the digital age. Including discussion of the function and roles of these key information sources, and how their role, use and our understanding of them are changing in the information age. Includes brief discussion of the publishing industry, the future of the printed book, different models of e-book publishing and journal subscriptions, and their impact on the library service. Introduces discussion of bibliographies, catalogues and the concept of a ‘national bibliography’.
Unit 3. Web based information. Impact of new technologies on information creation and sharing, including changes in the way people access information; the changing role of the library in this respect; and how the value and credibility of different types of information sources may be changing over time. Short case studies on 2 or 3 ‘new’ information sources (Wikipedia, blogs, websites).
Unit 4. Non-textual information. Audio and visual information sources (digital or otherwise) remain an important and in many cases unique source of information (e.g. pictures, photographs, moving images and sound recordings) – their role and value is discussed.
Unit 5. Accessing and evaluating information. Drawing together issues raised in earlier units, overviews the way in which individuals’ ways of accessing, using and sharing information is changing and the how this is linked to developments in tools for accessing information (e.g. search engines, social media). Discusses ways of evaluating sources in an increasingly complex information environment, including how this is increasingly the task of the independent information user.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Through written assessment, discussion on VLE and arranging and carrying our assignment interview
Improving own Learning and Performance Reflection on own performance is built into assessment criteria
Information Technology Students will be required to examine a range of information sources available electronically.
Personal Development and Career planning This module encourages the development of subject-specific knowledge and skills needed by all information professionals.
Problem solving Research-based assignment encourages students to plan own project (assignment) and deal with any issues relating to organizing and conducting the assignment, and analyzing the results
Research skills Research-based assignment encourages students to plan own project (assignment) and deal with any issues relating to organizing and conducting the assignment, and analyzing the results
Subject Specific Skills
Team work N/A

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6