COURSE INFORMATION

Description:

Inthis course students have the opportunity to develop information competencyskills, which includes:

· recognizing the need for information;

· finding, evaluating and using information in its variousforms;

· using information to communicate effectively; and,

· understanding and applying the use of information ethicallyand legally.

Attainment of these competencies enhance a student’sabillity to succeed in college and develop lifelong learning skills. Students are introduced to variousinformation resources, including online catalogs, periodical indexes,electronic databases and the Internet.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, studentsshould be able to:

· Explain the concept of information competency.

· Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of research and the role of the library inthe research process.

· Describe the arrangement of library materials andeffectively locate them.

· Recognize the need for information and identify appropriatesources.

· Define topics and develop effective research strategies.

· Access information from various resources including onlinecatalogs, online & printed periodical indexes, electronic databases and theInternet.

· Evaluate and validate sources for reliability, correctnessand relevancy.

· Demonstrate the ability to cite sources accurately.

· Discern the ethical and legal issues in research.

Course Contents:

Class1: Introduction, information compentency

Class2: Research process, evaluating sources

Class3: Organization of libraries and arrangement of library materials

Class4: Reference books

Class5: Online catalogs, printed indexes

Class6-7: Online periodical indexes & other electronic databases

Class8-9: Internet

Class10: Overview & final exam

Optional Reading on Reserve:

· Riedling, Ann Marlow. Learning to Learn: A Guide toBecoming Information Literate. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.,2002.

· Gates, Jean Key. Guide to the Use of Libraries andInformation Sources. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1994.

· Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of ResearchPapers. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 1999.

Grading:

Students may takethis course for a gradeorfor Credit/No Credit. The final grade will be determined byattendance (10%), assignments (40%) and final exam (50%). The following scale will be used ingrading: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69) and F (59 and below). The passing grade for Credit is 70% or better.

Assignment 1: due 10/21

Assignment 2: due 10/28

Assignment 3: due 11/6

Assignment 4: due 11/13

Final exam : 11/13

Office Hours:

Monday 9-1, Tuesday 9-10:30 and Thursday12:30-2:30 at the Reference Desk in the Library. For appointment,call 741-2484.