For the course as a whole, the overall timetable is given in the syllabus. For each unit, a handout will be provided, on or before the first date listed for that unit in the syllabus. Please read this over right away. During the dates listed, any special lectures, discussions, demonstrations, lab exercises, field trips, etc. that relate to that unit will take place. Students are invited and encouraged to attend, especially if they fulfill all of the prerequisites listed.
Note that the instructor is involved in a great deal of professional service activities, and constantly tries to bring back new knowledge that relates to this and other classes. As a consequence, he will miss a number of class sessions due to travel. Some of the field trips and guest lecture activities will take place at those times. Other special lectures will take place when visitors interested in departmental research work come and give seminars.
If nothing is scheduled, students are encouraged to come to class to pick up any new materials provided. Also, they can read or do exercises, and ask questions of their colleagues or the instructor. As in many graduate classes, some students have little background in the field, while others are involved in research projects and have a great deal of specialized knowledge. When students with diverse backgrounds work together, all benefit - those who tutor others often learn more than those who are asking for help.
Working in the laboratory is another alternative to attending class, of particular value when nothing is scheduled, and when there are demonstrations or exercises involving computers. Part of the DLPSI experience is to use computers and software to obtain some insight into how digital libraries of the future might operate. Be sure to share your comments, preferably in writing, with the instructor, so we can improve things for others.
Remember that the core of the course is the readings, so concentrate on them until you thoroughly understand each unit. Other activities should supplement these, make the course more enjoyable, and provide other educational and experiential benefits. You are free to work a bit ahead or to in other reasonable ways adjust your work schedule to harmonize with demands from other courses or special circumstances, but please, please, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!
We hope that DLPSI works for you, and helps you learn even more effectively in the future!