Table of Contents

Chapter 1            Overview of Information Literacy, SU's Network and Computing Policies, University Libraries
                           Homepage - Electronic Resources Survey
Chapter 2            Introduction to Bibliographic Database Structure, Search Strategies and Tactics, Query Syntax,
                           and Boolean (Logical) Operators.  Basic Venn Diagrams.  Database Examples from WebCat
Chapter 3            Follow-up on Database Structure, Indexing Exercise, Controlled Vocabulary, Relevance.
                           Introduction to the Smith Library Print Reference Collection.  Database Examples from WebCat
                           and WorldCat
Chapter 4           Communicating with Visual Aids and PowerPoint.  Copyright Basics, the Fair Use Doctrine, and
                          Plagiarism
Chapter 5           APA, MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, Fundamentals of Citations

Chapter 6           Critical Evaluation of Bibliographic Materials - Books and Periodicals in Both Print and Digital
                          Formats.  Types of Periodicals and Use of Print Periodical Indexes
Chapter 7           Introduction to the Use of Digitized Periodical Indexes.  Breadth, Depth, and Kinds of
                          Content.  Further Explanations Regarding Search Strategies and Tactics
Chapter 8           Survey of Topic Specific Periodical Databases Available Through Shenandoah University
                          Libraries.  Further Explanations Regarding Search Strategies and Tactics
Chapter 9           Hands on Use of Topic Specific Periodical Databases Available Through Shenandoah University
                          Libraries.  Further Explanations Regarding Search Strategies and Tactics
Chapter 10         Introduction to Proximity Searching in Fulltext Databases.  Database Examples from Academic
                          Search and Factiva.  Define and discuss of primary sources of information and how to find them
Chapter 11         Continued Exploration of Proximity Searching in Fulltext Databases.  Database Examples from
                          Academic Search and Factiva.  Creating an Accurate Mental Model of the Internet.  Evaluative
                          Criteria for the Internet
Chapter 12         Introduction to the Search Engines and Directories.  An Explanation of How Each is Created.
                          Hands on Exploration of the Best Directories on the Internet
Chapter 13         More on Search Engines and Directories.  Meta-Search Engines.  Government Information -
                          International, Federal, State and Local
Chapter 14         Introduction to Basic Web Page Design Using Microsoft FrontPage, a WYSIWYG Hypertext
                          Markup Language Editor  
Chapter 15         Continuation - Basic Web Page Design Using Microsoft FrontPage, a WYSIWYG Hypertext
                          Markup Language Editor
Term Projects    Select your topic here, or suggest a topic of interest to you - ideally a topic given to you in
                          another class.  

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Introduction and Syllabus

                    Instructor Contact Information
                    Goals and Objectives
                    A Note of Caution Regarding the Scope of Research 190
                    You are Expected to....
                    Teaching Methods, Course Materials, and Grading
                    Summary of Graded Assignments with Due Dates
                    General Information - academic honesty, accommodations,  catalog description                  

         Text Navigation Table

Instructor:

Mr. David McKinney, Librarian for Public Services

Contact Information

dmckinne@su.edu
Office:  Smith Library, 540-665-5444
Office Hours:  Tuesdays 3:00 to 4:00;  Thursdays 2:00 to 3:00 PM; or by appointment

Section 101 - August 26, 2008 through December 11, 2008
Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30 to 10:45 AM - Computer Lab, Smith Library

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The goal of Research 190 -  Information Literacy, is to create self directed, life-long learners who are able to find, evaluate, and effectively use information.  This includes communication and dissemination of information using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and FrontPage.

Course Objectives:

• Identify potential sources for information, including traditional print resources, and electronic resources such as proprietary electronic databases and free Internet sites
• Understand how information is organized
• Learn to create effective search strategies, and query formulations for electronic databases
• Use networked computer and telecommunications technologies (the Internet) to access information
• Critically evaluate information and its sources
• Disseminate information using word processing, presentation, and web page editing software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and FrontPage)  NOTE:  Bibliographic research is the heart of this course; only about 15% of class time will be devoted to software training.

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Scope -- A Note of Caution Regarding Course Objectives

You will be introduced to a lot of material in a short time.  The course is not designed to cover any of the many topics in depth, but to introduce you to a variety of concepts, methods, and tools related to finding, accessing, evaluating, and disseminating information.  This course is not comprehensive.  Rather, you should leave this course feeling you are undertaking a journey of life-long learning.  You will be better prepared to continue both independently and in other formal settings.

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Taking Notes

Information Literacy is not just a "skills" class, but requires that you understand a number of concepts concerning the organization and retrieval of information from proprietary bibliographic databases.  Taking notes is absolutely necessary if you expect to learn and retain the ideas involved, and score well on the two tests given during the semester.

Standards: In addition to assignment specifics, all written/oral work will be evaluated in terms of the following criteria:

Quality of presentation -- neat and free of errors
Quality of writing/speaking -- clear, direct, and grammatically correct
Quality of organization -- logical flow of content
Quality of thinking -- work should exhibit creative and critical thinking, and evaluation
Use of appropriate literature and sources

Late work will not be accepted without good cause.  The instructor is the final arbiter of what constitutes good cause.

Attendance:  Absolutely MANDATORY.  Learning is an active process and you cannot participate if you are absent.  Unexcused absences will cost you 25 points each.  ( See below for grading/point totals).

Punctuality: Please respect all class participants by being in the classroom and ready to work at the designated time.

Class Participation:  You must be prepared to contribute your ideas, experiences, and just as important, discussion of difficulties you have encountered in trying to complete assignments.  Participating may include online (e-mail) contributions as well as those made in the classroom.

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Teaching methods:  A variety of methods will be used including lecture, class and small group discussion, demonstration, and active, hands-on exercises.

Course Materials: 
1.  WebText - you are responsible for materials found on websites linked directly from WebText.
2.  You are responsible for providing one rewriteable CD.
3.  You will also need a 3 ring binder which you can use to organize the handouts and guides that you will receive in
     class. Bring this binder to every class in case you have a pop-quiz.

Schedule:  This is a tentative schedule of topics to be covered in the course.  Timing and topic may vary somewhat in order to enhance student learning and achievement, and may be changed at the discretion of the instructor.

Grading
 

A -- 90 to 100%   B -- 80 to 89%   C -- 70 to 79%   D -- 60 to 69%   F -- Below 60%

Written Exercises/Class Projects -- 65% -- 650 points Mid Term and Final Exams -- 30% -- 300 points Pop Quizzes --  5 % -- 50 points        Crucial if you expect to make an A for the course

Total Points Possible = 1,000
Unexcused absences will cost you 25 points each.

 

Summary of Graded Assignments with Due Dates
 

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Academic Honesty:  The University has adopted an Honor Code based on the recommendations of the Student Government Association and the faculty.  Students are expected to read and abide by provisions of the Honor Code, which is printed in the Student Handbook.  Plagiarism, in particular, is a violation of the Honor Code and is defined as the presentation of ideas, writing or answers to problems which are taken from other sources without proper attribution.

Accommodations:  If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please contact me as soon as possible.  My office is located on the first floor of Smith Library near the circulation desk.

Catalog Description:  RSCH 190 - Information Literacy
Research 190 introduces students to a variety of traditional print and electronic information resources including proprietary online databases and specially selected free Internet sites.  Students will learn how to develop search strategies for electronic databases, and how to critically evaluate the materials found.  Additionally, students will learn to use computer mediated communication tools to disseminate information including word processing, presentation, and web page creation software.  Please note - bibliographic research is the heart of this course; less than 15% of class time will be devoted to software training.  General Education Intensities - ILI, TI.  Three credits.

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