Library Research 102
Spring (Term 1)   2005

Instructors: Ramsey Library Faculty
Phone: 251-6111 (Reference Desk)

Library Research 102, a one-credit course, provides an introduction to information literacy concepts, library resources and research tools. Students are expected to read assigned web modules, gain hands-on experience using library resources in a laboratory setting through completion of in-class exercises, and consult with reference librarians whenever they have questions.

Objectives

After completing Library Research 102, students should be able to:

• locate resources in Ramsey Library such as books, journals, media and government documents, as well as make use of the various services offered.

• approach a research assignment with a logical strategy.

• select appropriate print and online sources for specific research needs.

• use the library's electronic resources effectively (including the online library catalog and periodical indexes).

• approach web-based information with enhanced critical thinking skills.

• approach research and information retrieval with enhanced critical thinking skills.

Class Policies

Attendance

You are required to attend: (a) the first class session for a general introduction to the course and a tour of the library; (b) three lab sessions with your instructor in the library to gain hands-on experience using some key electronic resources for research; and (c) the final exam to successfully complete this course.

Withdrawals/Incompletes

Wednesday, February 2, 2005 is the last day to withdraw from the class with a grade of "W." See the UNCA Catalog for the statement of regulations governing withdrawals and incompletes.

Required Lab Exercise Sessions

You are required to put some of the material covered in assigned readings into practice in three hands-on lab sessions in the library. This means that you must attend all lab class sessions with your instructor at the regularly scheduled class time for your assigned group / day. If you miss one or more labs, you will not be eligible to take the final exam.

Final Exam

The final exam covers information from the assigned readings, and from the in-class lab exercises and discussions. It consists of forty (40) multiple-choice, matching, true-false and fill-in-the-blank questions, and takes approximately 30-40 minutes to complete.

The exam for your section of LR 102 will be administered during the fifth and final class session.

Participation

Participating is defined as taking part, as having a part or sharing in something. It is expected and required for you to be an active member of the class.  Participation encompasses taking part in class discussions, working on and completing in-class exercises and contributing to an overall learning atmosphere. Signs that indicate you are not a fully participating class member include checking email, surfing the web unrelated to assignments, etc. (Note: Some instructors may also give pop quizzes.)

Grading

Grading is S/U (Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory). This grade is based on your satisfactory participation and completion of the three required lab exercises and your score on the final exam. A passing grade for the course is 85% or higher – no exceptions.  If you fail to complete all required labs or the final exam, you will receive a "U" and must repeat the course in another semester. The grade breakdown is as follows:

Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Liberal Arts Learning and Disability Services (251-6980) in order to arrange for alternate accommodations in this course.

Required Reading Modules:

Lab 1 -- Intro to Research / Using the Library Catalog

• Overview of Ramsey Services and Departments
• Locations and Call Numbers
• Constructing Subject and Keyword Searches
• Using Boolean Operators

Lab 2 -- Using a Periodical Index

• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Developing a Library Research Strategy
• Distinguishing Scholarly Journals from Magazines
• Finding Information in Periodicals

Lab 3 -- Finding and Evaluating Web Information

• Reference Tools You Should Know About
• Using Google for Research
• Evaluating Web Information

Recommended (Optional) Reading:

Making Sense of Library Research: A Guide for Undergraduate Students (University of North Carolina at Asheville, 2001 Edition).

• This useful text is available on the web. You can access it by clicking: http://bullpup.lib.unca.edu/library/lr/txtbk/txtbk.html

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Last updated 10 January 2005.

Ramsey Library UNCA