From: LBYSEC@LSUVM.BITNET (Nancy Pope)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.pacs-l
Subject: Survey, Part 1
Date: 18 Nov 92 19:12:36 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
Approved-By:  Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS@UHUPVM1.BITNET>

Remember to reply to Nancy, not PACS-L.  Thanks, Jill

----------------------------Original message----------------------------

Please excuse cross-posting to: ELEASAI (library research),
JESSE (library education), PACS-L, and LIBADMIN (library
administration).

Be forewarned that this is a very long message in three parts.

The LITA Education Committee requests your reactions to a concept
and draft course outline. We believe that library schools may
need some guidance on the skills needed in the field, and those
of us out there may best be able to supply suggestions.

1.   Should an ALA Division suggest competencies for
graduating masters students?

2.   Do you agree or disagree that the new accreditation
standards suggest that relevant professional organizations may
offer standards, and that those working in networking and systems
(LITA members) can and should offer (and update) competencies
relating to telecommunications. A count of the responses for and
against the idea will be posted to this listserv.

3.   And if you *agree*, please take time to read over the
offered outline of needed knowledge.  The course outline is from
the Data-Tech Institute.  It seems to be a very good starting
point for a discussion. This expanded example is offered to show
the level of detail and specificity which should be in a library
science curriculum. The purpose is to suggest food for thought as
ideas for curriculum. Concentrate on the expansion for discussion
if this is appropriate for library schools. Tell us the next
topic you'd like to see expanded upon for discussion.

Please respond directly to the chair of the LITA Education
Committee, whose name and address are given below (rather than
the list) by December 4, 1992. If the responses warrant, we
will post a summary of the comments.

       Nancy Pope,
       Automation & Systems,
       104 Middleton Library,
       Louisiana State University,
       Baton Rouge, LA  70803
       NOTNEN@LSUVM.SNCC.LSU.EDU.

**********************************************************

DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING

     LAN Security
     Fundamentals of Data Communications and Local Area Networks
     Understanding Data Communications
     Understanding LANs
     Implementing TCP/IP for Systems Integration
     Windows on NetWare: Installing, Configuring & Optimizing
     Your Novell Network
     Troubleshooting Novell NetWare
     Managing & Supporting a Local Area Network
     Becoming a NetWare Power User
     Disaster Recovery for LANs
     Designing and Installing a LAN

MICROCOMPUTERS

     Setting Up and Managing a Computer Help Desk
     Troubleshooting and Maintaining the IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 and
     Compatibles for Non-Technical Users
     Detecting, Removing & Preventing Computer Viruses

MACINTOSH

     The Macintosh Survival Course: Troubleshooting and Data
     Recovery; Techniques for the Macintosh
     Advanced Troubleshooting for the Macintosh
     Networking the Macintosh

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

     Telecommunications Technologies for the Non-Engineering
     Professional
     An Intensive Introduction to T1/T3 Networking
     Fundamentals of Telecommunications: An Introduction to Voice
     & Data Communications

SPECIAL INTEREST

     Improving the Software Testing Process: Effective
     Techniques, Procedures and Tools
     Software Licensing Agreements: Buying, Selling and
     Protecting Rights
     Negotiating Software License Agreements
     Developing Successful Outsourcing Agreements
     On-Site Training Programs
     Video Training Programs


EXPANDED EXAMPLE:
UNDERSTANDING DATA COMMUNICATIONS - KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
1.   Learn data communications and local area network terms and
     concepts.
2.   Get an update on the latest LAN and data communications
     technologies.
3.   Learn how LAN resources are shared by many microcomputers
     simultaneously.
4.   Evaluate vendor products and proposals.
5.   Perform LAN product cost analyses.
6.   Understand the differences between analog and digital
     signals.
7.   Learn how coding schemes are used to represent and store
     data.
8.   Learn about parallel and serial communications.
9.   Learn about transmission protocols and standards.
10.  Define the components of data communications systems and PC
     LANs.
11.  Analyze your requirements and learn what necessary products
     are available.
12.  Explore the various cabling options and requirements.
13.  Learn how to evaluate transmission options.
14.  Explore the different types of network configurations.
15.  Understand Token Ring and Ethernet implementations.
16.  Understand the important data communications features of
     OS/2.
17.  Know the functions of repeaters, bridges and routers.
18.  Learn about the various LAN connectors and linking devices
that are available.
19.  Review popular LAN operating system products.
20.  Obtain descriptions of over 130 duties required of LAN
administrators.
21.  Get wiring diagrams for common LAN configurations.
22.  Obtain descriptions of over 230 features found in today's
LAN operating systems.


                       COMPREHENSIVE SEMINAR OUTLINE

I.   DATA COMMUNICATIONS CONCEPTS & COMPONENTS
     Examine the basic elements and components of data
communications. Look at important common uses of data
communications today and examine emerging trends.

          A.   Data Communications Defined
          B.   Data Communications Components
               1.   Analog and digital signals
               2.   Modems
               3.   DSUs
               4.   RS-232 interface
               5.   Dial-up connections
               6.   Parallel and serial connectors
          C.   Parity - Checking for Errors
          D.   Basic Types of Data Transmission
               1.   Within a computer
               2.   Transmitting to local devices
               3.   Transmitting to remote devices
               4.   Overcoming distance limitations
          E.   Communications Software
               1.   Mainframe communications
               2.   Minicomputer communications
               3.   PC communications hardware
               4.   PC terminal emulation
               5.   PC file transfer
               6.   PC software packages
          F.   Common Applications Today
               1.   Electronic messaging
               2.   PC file transfer
               3.   Remote computer access
               4.   Communications throughout the office

2.   STORAGE OF DATA
     Learn how information is compiled for data processing
devices. We'll explain the many ways this information can be
stored in a computer, and how it will be prepared for
transmission. Find out why some of these techniques provide
better data communications performance than others.

          A.   Forms of Data Storage
               1.   Bits, bytes, octets, characters
               2.   ASCII, EBCDIC, BCD and others
               3.   Fields, records, files
               4.   File types
               5.   Data formats - 8-bit-/7-bit
         B.   Storage of Data in Computers
               1.   RAM
               2.   ROM
               3.   Buffers
               4.   Disk
               5.   Tape

TO BE CONTINUED.
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU