Using the Quality Matters Rubric to Improve Online Cataloging Courses

Abstract

Quality Matters is a program that certifies online and hybrid courses. For a course to earn Quality Matters certification, it must meet eight standards of online course design and pass a rigorous peer-review process. In fall 2008, this author's online Cataloging and Classification course went through the Quality Matters peer-review process and was awarded Quality Matters certification. It is the only cataloging course in the nation to earn this certification. The author's Quality Matters peer-review process is discussed as is the potential of the Quality Matters rubric to improve online cataloging courses.

KEYWORDS:

• cataloging education
• Quality Matters
• design of online cataloging courses
• online education

Notes

1. Quality Matters Program, “About Us,” http://www.qmprogram.org/about (accessed October 1, 2011).

2. Quality Matters Program, “Higher Ed Program: Subscriptions,” http://www.qmprogram.org/subscriptions (accessed October 1, 2011).

3. Quality Matters Program, “Quality Matters Rubric Standards, 2011–2013 edition,” http://www.qmprogram.org/files/QM_Standards_2011-2013-3.pdf (accessed October 1, 2011).

4. Quality Matters Program, “Higher Ed Program: Program Rubric,” http://www.qmprogram.org/rubric (accessed October 1, 2011).

5. Quality Matters Program, “Underlying Principles of Quality Matters,” http://www.qmprogram.org/research-grants/fipse/principles (accessed October 1, 2011).

6. See, for example, Arlene G. Taylor, Introduction to Cataloging and Classification, 10th ed. (Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2006); Sheila S. Intner and Jean Weihs, Standard Cataloging for School and Public Libraries, 4th ed. (Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2007); Lois Mai Chan, Cataloging and Classification: An Introduction, 3rd ed. (Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2007).

7. Ingrid Hsieh-Yee, “Educating Cataloging Professionals in a Changing Information Environment,” Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 49, no. 2 (2008): 93–106.

8. Michelle M. Kazmer, “Cats in the Classroom: Online Learning in Hybrid Space,” First Monday 10, no. 9 (Sept. 2005). http://www.firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/1278/1198 (accessed October 1, 2011).

9. Quality Matters Program, “Higher Ed Program: Program Rubric.”

10. See, for example, James O. Carey, “Outcomes Assessment: Linking Learning, Assessment, and Program Improvement.” Presentation at the American Library Association's Annual Conference, New Orleans, 2011. http://shell.cas.usf.edu/~jcarey/oa/ (accessed October 1, 2011); Vicki L. Gregory, “Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes,” Prism: The Office for Accreditation Newsletter 19, no. 1 (spring 2011), http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/accreditation/prp/prism/prism_current.cfm (accessed October 1, 2011); Rachael Applegate, “Student Learning Outcomes Assessment and LIS Program Presentations,” Journal of Education for Library and Information Science 47, no. 4 (fall 2006).

11. Quality Matters Program, “Quality Matters Rubric Standards, 2011–2013 Edition.”