This course aims to build student’ capacity about online information retrieval processes and services. It emphasizes searching commercially available online retrieval systems and databases and focuses on two major components of electronic searching strategies: the knowledge about system structure of electronic databases and the various strategies, models and approaches to online searching. The course contents cover the pre-search interview, query analysis, database selection, search strategy development, online protocol, and evaluation of search results. Current status of and future trends in the online industry are also discussed. Participants will also apply their growing knowledge to developing their own teaching practices

After completing this course, students who meaningfully engage with course material, actively participate and successfully complete their required course work should gain:

1. Understanding of the information world
2. Familiarity with the current issues of online/computer-based information landscape and d analyze future trends.
3. Negotiating search requests, formulating search strategies, select appropriate databases and evaluate search results.
4. Examine the credibility of information sources they retrieve
5. Familiarity with the theoretical framework for computer-based searching, including file structure, search logic, controlled vs. natural languages, and system organization.
6. Ability to perform searches on a variety of platforms and explain variations in search engines and search results.

B.  Course Description

Defining information Retreival; Basic conceptions; IR Elements; Need and importance; Models of information Retrieval: Bolean Logic, Probablity model, Vectro space, Wilson's model of Information behavior, Kulthau's information serach process, Nested model of informaiton anxiety; Bekin's anamolous state of knowledge, Berry-picking, Big6TM; Searching techniques; Development of effiective search strategies; Overview of Various Online IR system; Evaluation of IR systems; Role of Ethinc in Information Retreival; Information Credibility; Legal issues associated with Informaiton Retreival; Hands on practice on differnt online databases; IR systems and knowledge maps; Future tredns in online information retreival.

C.  Teaching Methodology

The course will be conducted as a combination of lecture, discussion, and presentation methods.  Students will be expected to do extensive reading for each topic and engage in meaningful class discussion.

D.  Course Requirements and Evaluation

Performance of students will be evaluated on the following basis:

a)  Presentations and assignments        20 marks

Each student will select a topic related to information literacy with the approval of the instructor, prepare an assignment and present it in the class room following the guidelines provided in the class.

            b)   Mid Term examination                    30 marks

            c)   Final examination                           50 marks

E.  Text Books

1. Manning, C. D., Schütze, H., & Raghavan, P. (2008). Introduction to information retrieval. Cambridge university press.
2. Harter, S. P. (1986). Online information retrieval: concepts, principles, and techniques. Academic Press Professional, Inc..
3. Ceri, S., Bozzon, A., Brambilla, M., Della Valle, E., Fraternali, P., & Quarteroni, S. (2013). Web information retrieval. Springer Science & Business Media.

F.   Suggested Readings

1. Atanda, L. A. (2018). Information Retrieval Tools, Catholicon to Accessing Library Resources. Research Journal of Library and Information Science, 2(2), 30-35.
2. Bates, M. J. (1989). The design of browsing and berrypicking techniques for the online search interface. Online review, 13(5), 407-424.
3. Belkin, N. J. (1980). Anomalous states of knowledge as a basis for information retrieval. Canadian journal of information science, 5(1), 133-143.
4. Belkin, N. J., Oddy, R. N., & Brooks, H. M. (1982). ASK for information retrieval: Part I. Background and theory. Journal of documentation.
5. Belkin, N. J., Oddy, R. N., & Brooks, H. M. (1982). ASK for information retrieval: Part II. Results of a design study. Journal of documentation.
6. Chowdhury, G. G. (2010). Introduction to modern information retrieval. Facet publishing.
7. Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). Seeking meaning: A process approach to library and information services (Vol. 2). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
8. Naveed, M. A., & Anwar, M. A. (2020). Towards Information Anxiety and Beyond. Webology, 17(1).
9. Naveed, Muhammad Asif, and Mumtaz Ali Anwar. "Modeling information anxiety." Library Philosophy and Practice (2019).
10. Tenopir, C. (2008). Online systems for information access and retrieval. Library Trends, 56(4), 816-829.
11. Wani, Z. A., & Shafiq, H. (2018). Online Information Retrieval Systems Trending: From Evolutionary to Revolutionary Approach. In Encyclopedia of Information Science and Technology, Fourth Edition (pp. 4535-4547). IGI Global.