Course Description: This course is designed to introduce students to techniques and skills necessary to locate and access information. Major topics covered include: how knowledge is organized in library collections; the uses of major research tools (indexes, bibliographies, online services, Internet resources); how to do research in an academic library using both traditional printed sources and computerized resources; and how to compile an annotated bibliography of sources relevant to a research topic of their choosing. Throughout the course an emphasis is placed on the application of critical thinking skills while locating and evaluating information sources.

Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course each student will:

1. be familiar with the common classification systems used to organize information into subject areas.
2. understand the different types of source materials (books, magazines, encyclopedias, etc.) used when researching and when to use them.
3. be able to prepare a bibliography using correct bibliographic styles.
4. understand the research process and be able choose a research topic and select and evaluate materials relevant to the topic.
5. understand the concept of plagiarism and how to avoid it.
6. be comfortable using the Internet and World Wide Web to access information.

Office Hours: 0800-1530 in the library

Meeting Times: to be determined

Location: to be determined

Class Attendance: Students are expected to attend all classes. Absences due to illness do not relieve a student from the responsibility of making up any work missed. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain information concerning missed work and to see that it is completed and turned in.

Plagiarism: Plagiarism, as outlined in the Westhill University catalog, is a serious academic infraction. Students are encouraged to discuss the course material and assignments with each other but each studentīs work must be their own. If you have any questions about this topic, please discuss them with the instructor before submitting the assignment.

Text: Selections from - Beasley, David. How To Use A Research Library. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.

Readings: Will be announced in class and posted on the course webpage.

Assignments:

1. Preliminary Research Project Description (due Sept. 14)
2. Subject/Keyword Searching (due Oct. 5)
3. Locating Periodical Literature (due Oct. 19)
4. Selecting and Evaluating Materials (due Nov. 2)
5. Selecting and Evaluating Internet Sources (due Nov. 16)
6. Final Project (Annotated Bibliography) (due Dec. 7)

Grading:

1. Assignments - 25%
2. Quizzes - 25%
3. Class Participation - 10%
4. Final Project - 40%