SDV 171 - Library Instruction

Credits: 1
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 0
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: General

This course will provide students with practical knowledge of information literacy skills, specifically the process of conducting information research for academic assignments and lifelong learning. Students will learn and be able to articulate and perform the research process.
Competencies

Recognize a specific research need
1. Learn techniques for selecting and refining research topics
2. Develop a thesis statement and formulate questions based on the information need
3. Explore general information sources to increase familiarity with the topic
4. Understand and be able to articulate the need for critical thinking skills
Become familiar with the overall makeup of the information arena
1. I have a fundamental understanding of the organization and services provided by academic libraries
2. Be able to discriminate among the various types of information resources and formats
3. Learn basic techniques for effective and efficient searching of the online catalog, library databases and the World Wide Web
4. Analyze the formats of varied information resources
5. Discuss the importance of reading introductory or descriptive material associated with a source
6. Manage and record relevant search results including all citation information
7. Refine search strategy if necessary by reflecting on research need and information sources available
Evaluate gathered resources using set criteria
1. Authority - Be able to determine the creator of a resource, their credentials, affiliations, background
2. Accuracy - Develop strategies for determining if the material is edited, peer reviewed. Determine if factual information can be verified
3. Fairness - Become aware of how to detect bias in the content of information
4. Scope - Determine if information is appropriate for the task at hand
5. Currency - Decide if currency is important for the information need, determine if the most current information has been located
Use information ethically and legally
1. Learn the purpose and structure of resource documentation
2. Acknowledge gathered information used in paper, project, performance, etc., without plagiarizing and by appropriately attributing and citing sources
3. Understand the basic nature of academic research and the larger academic dialogue
4. Understand the impact of intellectual freedom and censorship on information
5. Develop a working definition of academic integrity