Information & Library Science Department ILS 531 outline

ILS 531

Indexing and Abstracting


COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course explores theoretical and practical aspects of the organization of information in documentation systems, and covers traditional and computerized approaches to indexing, abstracting and thesaurus construction and maintenance.


COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide a basic understanding of the concepts involved in indexing and abstracting textual materials, and an introduction to the actual indexing and abstracting process through examples and participatory exercises and assignments.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

  1. Understand the principles of knowledge representation
  2. Understand the role of indexing and abstracting in the information storage/retrieval process
  3. Identify and evaluate different types of indexes and abstracts
  4. Compare and contrast natural language versus controlled vocabulary
  5. Construct user-centered indexes and abstracts
  6. Be aware of various computer software programs used in indexing and producing thesauri
  7. Identify job opportunities for the indexer/abstracter 

 

COURSE OUTLINE    

     I.       Introduction to Abstracting and Indexing
     II.      Types and Functions of Abstracts
     III.     Writing Abstracts
     IV.      Principles of Indexing
     V.       Indexing Languages & Vocabulary Control
     VI.     Indexing Process
     VII.    Book Indexing
     VIII.   Web Indexing
     IX.     Image/Multimedia Indexing
     X.      Index Evaluation
     XI.     Project Presentation
     XII.    Final Exam (Open book) 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Students take this course are required to complete ILS 501, ILS 503 and ILS506 as pre/co-requisites.
SUGGESTED TEXTS / TEXTS USED IN THE PAST

Required Texts

Cleveland, Donald & Cleveland, Ana. (2001). Introduction to indexing and abstracting. 3rd. Englewood, CO, Library Unlimited, Inc. ISBN 1563086417

Recommended texts :

Browne, Glenda & Jermey, Jon. (2007). The Indexing Companion. Cambridge University Press. ISBN-13: 9780521689885 

 

Approved by the ILS Department Curriculum Committee and Faculty, Spring 2009.