LIS Oral Comprehensive Examination

Category C (SELECT ONE OF THREE)

C.1. Digital Libraries
C.2. Digital Reference Service
C.3. Information Technology

C.1. DIGITAL LIBRARIES

Scenario:
Many libraries are partially replacing/complementing their print subscription/purchases by the digital versions of journals and books. You are part of a library committee exploring the options. You are asked to make a presentation about the feasibility of such a project in your library.

In your response:

• Identify the type of library or information center.
• Explain the major issues involved in terms of access, content, price, and ownership of digital collections.

C.2. DIGITAL REFERENCE SERVICE

Scenario:
The institution that recently hired you is planning to develop a digital reference service. Your job will include working on the committee responsible for researching the options and preparing a report on the various forms this service might take and to make recommendations to your unit. What types of data will you need to make decisions about what goes into the report? How will you obtain that data?

In your response:

• Identify the type of library or information setting, including its mission and goals related to this project.
• Describe the steps and activities you would undertake, and the types of resources you would consult to gather information for the report.
• Describe the types of digital reference functions you would recommend.
• Describe the level and range of services you would recommend and the policies you would create.
• Describe your plan to market and evaluate the service.

C.3. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Scenario:
You were asked to be part of a team that will prepare a proposal to upgrade the information technology system used in the library where you work. The collection (type of materials, development), the services that the library offers, the number of users have changed significantly and the director of the library needs a study to support an expansion of the current information technology infrastructure. What steps should the team take to develop the proposal?

In your response (include any of the following items):

• Describe the library or information center (mission, users, collection, services, etc.).
• Describe the current system status: Information technology infrastructure (hardware, software, networking).
  Current databases, OPAC, including number of records, standards for cataloging, classification, indexing, searching, barcoding etc.
• Mention sources your team might use to acquire/update their knowledge about current information technology for libraries.
• Identify the kind of needs assessment studies that need to be done (staff, users, community).
• Describe the function and task analysis that need to be conducted. Include methodologies for data gathering and analysis.
• Provide examples of the kind of specifications needed for the new system.
• Identify criteria you would use to prioritize functions to be automated.
• Identify elements you must consider to estimate the cost of the project.
• Describe items that should be included in a request for proposals (RFP).
• Describe characteristics you need to consider when evaluating a vendor of library automation systems.