1.    A number of authors have suggested a cycle of information starting with the writing and publication of information and ending with the use of this information to create new information and documents.   Outline and discuss a cycle of information, publication of information and use of information.

2.    Compare and contrast information organization and retrieval of data organized in a relational database with data organized in a non-relational database for retrieval of full text.  Your answer should demonstrate some knowledge of how these systems are implemented and should include a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each structure.

3.    In a recent issue of American Libraries, a librarian was quoted as saying: "It is part of our mission to serve those whose tastes we find repulsive."  Defend or disagree with this statement through reasoned arguments and reference to the literature.

4.    Providing digital reference services has been a topic of discussion at conferences and in library publications.  Using your knowledge of reference services, discuss the services you would include as part of digital reference services.  Discuss the similarities and differences between this type of reference service and traditional reference services.

5.    Cataloging is one of many approaches to control Internet resources for access.  Discuss issues one ought to take into account when cataloging Internet resources, and explain the benefits and drawbacks of this approach.

6.    In a recent theme issue of American Libraries on "the profession's myths," Virginia M. McCurdy pointed out the following myths and misconceptions: (1) "that the library is not a place that people need to go anymore"; (2) "that since we know who our patrons are and they know where to find us, we don't need to promote our services"; (3) "that librarians belong in the library, not in the community reaching out to people who don't come to the library"; and, (4) "that libraries are not in the literacy business."   Choose two of the above statements and provide reasons for why they are misconceptions.  That is, why they do not accurately portray the reality of today's public libraries.  Then discuss what librarians and libraries can do to change these misconceptions.

7.    Technology for information retrieval on the Web has advanced dramatically in recent years, and various search engine companies have adopted new technologies to enhance their services.  Describe two new technologies, such as collaborative filtering, that have been used to improve Web searches, and critique their effectiveness.  Discuss how these technologies relate to traditional information organization methods that continue to contribute to the retrieval of Web resources.

8.   Policies and guidelines at the international, national, and local levels have an enormous impact on the processes by which information is identified, acquired, organized, managed, accessed, and used.  Describe specific ways in which such policies and guidelines impact two of the processes mentioned above.

9.    Identify two traditional reference sources now available both in print and, without cost, on the Web.  With reference to specific characteristics of each source (e.g., the type of information it contains, the arrangement of entries), discuss the pros and cons of continuing to purchase the print version when the same source is available for free on the Web.

10.  What is knowledge management?  Explain how knowledge management is supported by information systems.

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