Margaret Kipp
Office: NCB 235
Phone: x88687
E-mail: mkipp@uwo.ca
Office Hours
Tuesday 1-3
Thursday 1-3
Or By Appointment
Relationship to Objectives of the MLIS Programme
Students will gain familiarity with the use of computer programmes to interact with modern information systems. There is a high demand for library and information science graduates with an information technology skill set. This course will consist of a mix of hands-on assignments and readings on the current issues in information technology.
With the increasing importance of the web and digital libraries in the field of library and information science, a knowledge of computer programming is an important addition to every librarian's skill set. This course will have two components: a practical hands-on component where students will learn the basic concepts of computer programming and apply this knowledge to the creation of computer programmes, and a theoretical component which will introduce students to the social and cultural contexts of current issues in information technology. Students will develop skill sets enabling them to write small to medium sized computer programmes, create technical specifications, and make informed contributions to library technology projects. This course does not require any prior programming experience.
1. To understand and apply the basic concepts of computer programming languages.
2. To be able to describe how a programme should function and communicate this in a high level design document or technical specification.
3. To perform an analysis of a problem and design its solution in the form of a programme or design document for a programme.
4. To gain exposure to the social and cultural contexts of the current issues in information technology.
| Assignment | Score | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1: Basic Control Structures and Files | 10% | June 2 |
| Assignment 2: Complex Data Structures and the Internet | 15% | June 26 |
| Assignment 3: Reading Responses | 10% | July 30 |
| Assignment 4: Technical Specification | 20% | July 14 |
| Assignment 5: Major Programming Project | 25% + 10% for demo | August 11 |
| Participation | 10% |
All assignments except assignment 3 may be done in teams of at most 3 people. Only one assignment should be submitted per team.
Penalty for late assignments without a valid reason (illness, etc) is 10% of the total per day.
Plagiarism, the unacknowledged borrowing of another's words or ideas, is a serious scholastic offence and will result in academic penalties up to and including a failing grade in the course. (See the Graduate Student Handbook for information on plagiarism.)
Created: 6 May 2006
Updated: 20 July 2006