School of Library and Information Science

Summer Comps Questions

June 2006

1. Selection of materials, once the responsibility of the library staff, is increasingly being outsourced, not only through approval plans, but also through contracts with aggregators of electronic books (e.g., NetLibrary) and journals. Discuss the long-term implications of this trend for collections, users, and services.

2. There are many metadata standards in use today, such as MARC, Dublin Core, and EAD. Select any metadata standard. Identify and discuss attributes of this standard that are of value to its intended community of users. (For example, attributes which provide them with useful information and/or allowing them special search capabilities.)

3. In a recent issue of Information Outlook, a revered librarian was asked what librarians could do to excel in the profession. His answer was, "Always think like the managers-not your boss but their bosses." If this is wise advice for people working in any library or information center, how will you go about learning what the managers are thinking? What do you need to know? How does such knowledge facilitate the library's ability to assist the whole organization?

4. In a digital information world, where formats continue to evolve, what is the role of the library? Describe this role in terms of intellectual and physical access to digital information. What actions can the librarian take to ensure the long-term preservation of digital materials?

5. During the April 24, 2006 production of "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer," former CIA Analyst, Ray McGovern stated, "Information is the oxygen for democracy." Define what this means. As an information professional, how do you perceive this as a responsibility?

6. Libraries of all types deal with "problem patrons" - library users whose behavior is disturbing or even threatening to librarians, staff, or other patrons. What issues are involved in responding to such situations? What should new staff members be told about dealing with such difficult situations?

7. Identify two issues that were discussed in at least two of your courses. Explain the significance of each issue to the subject of each course. Explain how the different perspectives brought by each class contributed to your broader understanding of these issues.

8. A patron has expressed concern that there are fewer books, journals, etc. in your library. As the public services librarian, you know that funding has been diverted for the purchase of electronic access to information. What is your justification? Frame the issue in the library setting of your choice.

9. Define and describe "blogs," "wikis," and "RSS." Explain how each of the technologies can be used to improve access to information resources and enhance library services.

10. Attorney General Gonzales continues to receive positive and negative feedback from librarians regarding the recent changes to section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. He has contracted you to explain why some librarians continue to oppose the law while others remain in support of it. Draft your response to the Attorney General.