University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
School of Information and Library Science

INLS 102: Information Tools

Course Syllabus

Course Catalog Description: INLS 102 Information Tools (3 hours). Tools and concepts for information use. Information literacy, microcomputer use and maintenance, microcomputer applications, and networked information services.

Pre-requisite: None, but students are expected to meet the North Carolina computer skills requirement (http://www.ncpublicschools.org/accountability/testing/computerskills/index.html). Students will be assumed to have solid skills with the use of the Microsoft Windows operating system, a word processor such as Microsoft Word, a Web browser, and email. Students with credit for INLS 80 or INLS 181 should not enroll in INLS 102.

Course Objectives: To more effectively utilize information products and services by:

1. Understanding the functions and management of microcomputers
2. Interacting with local and networked information collections
3. Preparing computer-based content

Computer Use: This course requires student ownership of a portable computer in accordance with the SILS Laptop Requirement. Students will bring their computers to class daily (unless otherwise announced by the instructor). For more information about Microsoft software, see ATN's Microsoft pages as well as the CCI laptop included software policy.

This is a Paperless Course: The course syllabus, assignment descriptions and notes will be online, linked from these INLS 102 Web pages. Student assignments will also be online. For more details about moving towards paperless courses, see Prof. Newby's Paperless Pages, http://ils.unc.edu/gbnewby/paperless.html

Evaluation: All assigned work must be completed in order to receive a passing grade in INLS 102. Late work is downgraded at a rate of one point per business day or partial day. All work is to be added to your online course portfolio for evaluation (unless other instructions are given). Instructions for the portfolio will be given in class.

Evaluation for the course is based on three items:

1. Twelve completed short assignments, described on the Assignments Page. Select 12 of the 14 assignments (skip two of your choice, unless the assignment is marked as "required"). Assignments are due by 3:15pm on Friday for the week they are assigned. Note that only 12 will be graded; there are no "make up" assignments or extra credit. 6 points each (72 points total).
2. Final exam. Given on the day assigned by the registrar. Short answer, short essay and multiple choice. 20 points.
3. Class preparedness and participation. 8 points.

Graduate and undergraduate grading for the course will be as follows:

Grad	Ugrad	Points
H	A	95-100
P+	A-	90-94
P	B+	85-89
P-	B	80-84
	B-	78-79
	C+	75-77
L	C	70-[79/74]
F	F	69 or fewer

Readings: There is no textbook or reading packet for INLS 102. Readings will be assigned for each class day, and will generally be online documents. Students should complete readings before the scheduled class, and review afterwards as needed.