Class meets Thursdays 9:00 - 11:40 AM - Hamilton Library 2K
Instructors:
Stuart Dawrs, Senior Librarian, Pacific Collection, UH Library
Office: Hamilton Library 512
Phone: 956-9779
Email: dawrs@hawaii.edu
Eleanor Kleiber, Pacific Specialist Librarian, UH Library
Office: HL 509
Phone: 956-2847
Email: ekleiber@hawaii.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
Course Description
This course will alternate between a practical introduction to Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islands library resources and an exploration of issues related to the profession as practiced by academic librarians in a special collections setting. Through lectures and guest speakers we cover special topics, including: current issues in contemporary Hawaiʻi and the Pacific; history and documentation; genealogy, biography and demography; early and modern indigenous literature, collection development and management, science sources and more. Ultimately, this course is designed to build proficiency in the use of Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islands research materials in general and the Hawaiian and Pacific Collections at Hamilton Library in particular.
Student Learning Outcomes Addressed:
SLO 1: Understand, apply and articulate the history, philosophy, principles and ethics of library and information science and the related professions.
1a) Apply LIS theory and principles to diverse information contexts
1c) Develop and apply critical thinking skills in preparation for professional practice
SLO 2: Develop, administrate, assess, and advocate for information services by exercising principled communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
2a) Demonstrate understanding of leadership
2b) Work effectively in teams
2c) Develop, manage, and assess information services for specific users and communities
SLO 4: Evaluate and use the latest information technologies, research findings and methods.
4a) Evaluate systems and technologies in terms of quality, functionality, cost-effectiveness and adherence to professional standards
SLO 5: Engage in projects and assignments dealing with multicultural communities and representing diverse points of view
5b) Demonstrate understanding of the social and cultural context of information services and systems
Professional Expectations
All students in the Program are expected to become familiar with and adhere to the Professional Expectations posted at http://www.hawaii.edu/slis/students/profexp.html
Course Objectives
This courses offers students the opportunity to
- become acquainted with reference works for area study of Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands region;
- develop an appreciation of the range of print, video and electronic resources for these areas;
- utilize the world-class holdings of the UH Library's Hawaiian and Pacific Collections;
- benefit from guest speakers drawn from the UH faculty and elsewhere who work on issues related to Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands related issues;
- gain insight into one area of special librarianship.
- gain an understanding of the fields of Hawaiian Studies, Pacific Islands Studies and of the Pacific region more generally.
Course/Teaching Philosophy
Emphasis is on obtaining a good grasp of a range of reference works and resources for Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands region. Through hands-on exercises and group discussion of assignments, students are encouraged to share their learning. We welcome questions and hope that students will share their own experiences, whether gained through study or residence. The area focus approach gives students a unique opportunity for immersion in the literature and resources of a region with vital issues and concerns for the 21st century.
Teaching Method
The course relies on lectures, hands-on exercises, and discussion sessions, along with a number of guest speakers. We also make use of films to better convey a sense of place, and to allow students to hear Hawaiian and Pacific Islander voices directly. Assignment due dates are noted on the course schedule, and instructions are provided for each assignment. Attendance and participation are required.
Research Methods
Students will engage in the following research methods: Information Retrieval and Content Analysis.
Requirements
Readings: There is no required text. Readings will be provided primarily in electronic form.
Technology Requirements
In this course, you will be expected:
- to be able to use standard computer software, including e-mail clients, web browsers, equivalents of MS office programs (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
- to submit assignments and final report produced using a word processing program and other appropriate software
- use online library catalogs and other online information databases
