PRESENTATION

The main project for this course is a web presentation that applies Systems Analysis and Evaluation techniques to some aspect of an information service (e.g., a library). This application can focus on the systems analysis part (e.g., developing a mathematical model of a library system), on the evaluation part (e.g., developing library evaluation measures), or both.  In fact, I would potentially be interested in any quantitative technique that might be used to optimize some aspect of the operation of an information service.  The idea is that, through these presentations, we will all get an even broader exposure to the field than the assigned readings provide.  These presentations will be posted on assigned dates during the last few weeks of the semester.

One possibility is for you to report on an application of Systems Analysis and Evaluation to information services that is already in the literature.  (Library Literature, Library and Information Science Abstracts, and the Social Sciences Citation Index are good places to find such sources.  In addition, Operations Research for Libraries and Information Agencies by Kraft and Boyce has a very extensive bibliography in this area.) Alternatively, you could come up with an original application of Systems Analysis and Evaluation to some aspect of the operation of an information service.

Details

Because of the size of this class, I would like you to work in groups of two on these presentations rather than individually.  In addition to meeting face-to-face at the first weekend session, I have set up a “Forming Groups” discussion forum to facilitate the formation of these groups.  So, you could form a group by, for example, sending a message expressing your interest in a particular topic and asking who else might have similar interests.

The final online presentations will be hosted on WebCT. You should think of your presentation as your own virtual lecture. Among other things, this means that you should respond to questions and comments about your presentation. In fact, as part of the presentation grade, you must post a question or a comment about at least three of the other presentations.

Let me know when you have formed a group and I will create web space for your group in the “Presentations” area. This is where the presentations will be posted.  In addition, I will create a public discussion forum for the class to discuss your group’s presentation.

You will need to choose a topic/article very soon--no later than the second weekend session. You will need to get my approval on your topic.

The presentations will be posted in the "Presentations" area. Each group will post their presentation on a different day. The presentation must be posted by midnight MST on the designated day. Thus, the rest of the class will be able to access their presentation on the following day.

You can sign up for any of the following dates: April 8, April 10, April 12, April 15, April 17, April 19, April 22, April 24, April 26, April 29.  Send me a message via WebCT Mail with at least a couple of possible dates.  I will try to accommodate everyone’s preferences as well as I can.

You should contact Beth Gouwens if you have any technical problems posting your presentation to WebCT.

You can send me questions about this assignment via the "Presentation Questions" forum or via my WebCT Mail.