LIB 127: Library and Internet Research

LIB 127: Library and Internet Research

(3 credits)

Online Class (offered Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters-- check the Course Schedule in Banner)
Instructor: Katie Cunnion
E-mail: katherine.cunnion@umpqua.edu
Phone: (541) 440-7681

** Nota Bene: Please be aware, this is an abbreviated course description-- for the full syllabus, including the class schedule or any other questions, please contact Katie by email or phone. **

Course Goals and Objectives

"Library and Internet Research" is designed, in ten weeks, to take you from a being search neophyte to a full-fledged citation-master. The word "research" is interesting in that it can refer to both an activity and a result, and we will be talking about both types of "research" in this class. This includes the practical "sources" you can count on to locate information for your classwork and own curiosity, and the mental "processes" you can use to become a more practiced, experienced researcher. This will, hopefully, be a great help to you not only in your other college classes, but also in your own information searching.

You will take away the maximum benefit from this course if you are willing to approach each week's content with an open mind and actively participate in the assignments and forums. The world of information is changing on a weekly basis-- this is one of the reasons we're using electronic handouts instead of a textbook!-- and you can learn about these resources best by trying them hands-on. Remember, even Albert Einstein said: "If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"

Specifically, at the completion of this course, you will be able to:

Apply the research process to create effective research using appropriate and reliable information sources.
Critically evaluate the validity, currency, usefulness, and accessibility of information.
Locate information resources in the UCC Library, on the library website, and in other research collections.
Use keywords, subject headings, Boolean operators, and other search techniques to create effective online and catalog searches.
Understand the importance of proper citation in academic context.
Apply a standard citation format (either MLA or APA) in your own work.

Required Text: None. You will receive the lesson content you need, including handouts that are yours to keep, in the weekly folders in Angel. Please dedicate a folder on your computer (or a physical folder if you prefer to print items out) to keeping class handouts in one place; you'll want to refer back to them frequently as you work on assignments and the Research Project.

Research Project

This is a course on research skills and techniques, and I will be asking you to complete a research project in place of exams. This is not a research paper! This can relate to another class or an intellectual interest.

Course Links

Next-Steps Reading (or, “Where did all these class articles come from, again?)

This list is “FYI” (for your information)- these are NOT required texts!

Books

Shirky, Clay. Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations. New York: Penguin, 2008. UCC Lib: 303.4833 S

Schank, Roger C. “The End of the Commoditization of Knowledge.” What Are You Optimistic About?. Ed. John Brockman. New York: Harper, 2007. 229-31. UCC Lib: 303.49 W

Weinberger, David. Everything is Miscellaneous: The Power of the New Digital Disorder. New York: Henry Holt and Co., 2007. UCC Lib: 303.4833 W

Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of Umpqua Community College and their Board that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the grounds of sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disability in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Vice President for Student Development at the Campus Center – Student Development. Phone (541) 440-4705.