LBSC 100: Research Methods and Information Retrieval, Section 4
Thursday 11:00-11:50 a.m.
Instructor: Laura Neal (email: lneal@shepherd.edu)
Syllabus for Fall 2007
Purpose of Course:
LBSC 100 is a 1-credit course for students who desire a general introduction to research and information
retrieval, and the use of library materials and resources.
LBSC 100 is based on a set of standards called "Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education." These standards state that an Information Literate individual is able to:
- Determine the extent of information needed
- Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
- Evaluate information and its sources critically
- Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base
- Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
- Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access and use information ethically and legally
Throughout the semester we will use lectures, readings, in-class discussions, hands-on activities, and projects to meet these standards.
Course Goals:
- Students will understand the Information Literacy model and learn specific skills such as citing information sources,
evaluating information, and utilizing Library online and hardcopy resources
- Students will use technology effectively to retrieve information, contribute to class discussions, create presentations and reports, etc.
Grading: (600 points possible)
- 40 points Project 1 -
"Resources Found" (two per week, due September 6 through September 27).
- 60 points Project 2 -
Searchpath tutorials (due September 13)
- 60 points Project 3 -
Subject specific encyclopedias (due September 27/28)
- 40 points Project 4 -
Popular and Scholarly articles (due October 11)
- 100 points Project 5 -
Mid-term (October 11)
- 100 points Project 6 - Presentations on Intellectual Property and Preservation issues (due December 6).
- 100 points Project 7 - distributed in class. Reflection Questions and Essay on Information Literacy (due December 13, Finals Week)
- 100 points - Class participation, including completing required class readings. May include two unscheduled quizzes if necessary.
Grading Scale:
- 90%-100% A
- 80%-89% B
- 70%-79% C
- 60%-69% D
- Below 60% F
Attendance:
Attendance is important. A student who misses a class is responsible for all material covered and all announcements made
during that class. Assignments will not be accepted after the date on which they are due, unless the student has made prior
arrangements with the instructor to adjust due dates.
Created by Laura Neal - comments to: lneal@shepherd.edu
Last updated: November 15, 2007