SUNLINK: Practical PR - Syllabus

Component Goal | Component Objectives | Component Requirements | Component Evaluation

To provide school library media specialists with an opportunity to increase their skills with SUNLINK, the Florida K-12 library union database. Emphasis will be placed on how to sell SUNLINK to the two primary target audiences of students and teachers, as well as other audiences such as principals, parents, media aides, and fellow media specialists.

There is no cost to take this component. It is free.

Component Objectives

At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify SUNLINK PR techniques directed towards the two primary target audiences of students and teachers.

• Identify SUNLINK PR techniques directed towards other target audiences including principals, parents, media aides, and fellow media specialists.

• Demonstrate and teach basic searching techniques in SUNLINK.

• Demonstrate and teach power searching techniques in SUNLINK.

• Engage in SUNLINK searches for cataloged web sites.

• Create and print out a unique SUNLINK bibliography.

• Demonstrate the ability to search for reading and interest level information.

• Engage in an Interlibrary Loan via phone, FAX, or through the e-ILL (email interlibrary loan) system.

• Create a SUNLINK scavenger hunt either on paper or by downloading a Powerpoint template from SUNLINK.

• Identify and download a quality MARC record to match an item in-hand for use in a local library automation system.

• Exhibit proficiency in the utilization of online class tools (internal email, and electronic bulletin board) when submitting assignments.

Component Requirements

You MUST have an active email account. Important class information such as login name and password will be transmitted to your personal email address. Your final evaluation (total points) will also be sent to this email address as well. Aside from these two instances all email communication in the class will be handled through the components internal Class Mail system. You will only use your personal email address as an alternative backup form of communication to the instructor should you experience technical difficulties in the class.

You should complete the Self-Assessment pretest prior to beginning the first component activity.

You will be expected to participate in class discussions via the discussion topics.

This component is project based. You are expected to meet the project deadlines. Late work will be docked five points for each 24 hours it is late.

Professional conduct: All acts of dishonesty in any work constitutes academic misconduct. University policy will be followed in the event of such conduct. Also, you are expected to follow appropriate protocols when using electronic communication, i.e., the online chat, the Discussions, or email.

Component Evaluation

Your final points in the component will be determined by evaluation of your performance on the following tasks:

• Participation and correct use of appropriate discussion topics.

• Use of Class Mail for assignments.

• On time completion of activities.

Total possible points for all activities is 350 points. It is possible to earn partial points for an activity. Any late assignment will be docked 5 points for each day that it is late. Note that all assignments are due before midnight of the due date given. Remember that email is date and time stamped. It is your responsibility to plan accordingly and complete activities on time.

Reports of your progress will be issued at the end of the component to you and to your staff development office at the name and address you provided when you registered. Neither UCF nor the instructors bear any responsibility for making arrangements with your district for the points, so please make sure you take care of this in advance. Most districts have flexible components which can be used for this purpose. Pre- and post-test scores will be included in the reports of your progress. Your district is responsible for determining the number of in-service points awarded to you. SUNLINK is suggesting that this component be worth 30 in-service points.