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LS 2201: LIBRARY SKILLS, RESOURCES, AND RESEARCH
SYLLABUS -- SPRING SEMESTER 2003

(Note: No textbook is required for this course)

SCHEDULE

DATE

TOPIC

1/13
1/15
1/20
1/22

Unit I: Introduction

Introduction and Overview
Bibliography and the Term Project (reading #1)
(MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY)
LAB -- assignment 1

1/27
1/29
2/3
2/5
2/10
2/12

Unit II: Organization and Methods

Research Strategy and Information Formats (reading #2)
Classification and Documentation (reading #3)
Evaluating The Results (reading #4)
Annotating
Computerized Subject Searching Techniques
LAB -- assignment 2

2/17
2/19
2/24
2/26
3/3
3/5
3/10
3/12
3/17-3/21
3/24
3/26
3/31
4/2
4/7
4/9
4/14
4/16
4/21
4/23
4/28
4/30

Unit III: Information Resources

    (PRESIDENT'S DAY HOLIDAY)
The Internet - Part I (reading #5)
The Internet - Part II (reading #6)
    LAB -- assignment 3
Evaluation Revisited - Part I
Evaluation Revisited - Part II
    LAB -- assignment 4
Mid-term Review  (Midterm assignment is due)
    (SPRING BREAK)
The Library Catalog (reading #7)
    LAB -- assignment 5
Periodical Databases - Search Strategies (reading #8)
Periodical Databases - General & Subject
    LAB -- assignment 6
Government Publications - U.S. Federal
Government Publications - State & International
    LAB -- assignment 7
Reference Sources - Part I
Reference Sources - Part II
    LAB -- assignment 8
Course Review

5/8

FINAL EXAM (Thursday, May 8, 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.)

INSTRUCTOR: ART CARPENTER

	Office: Library 144
	Office Phone: 626-7187 (voice mail) Home Phone: (801) 392-6860
	E-mail: acarpenter@weber.edu

OFFICE HOURS

Due to the varied time and location schedule associated with my assignment, regular office hours
are not feasible. Personal consultation sessions may be arranged by contacting me through any
of the means listed above.

BRIEF COURSE DESCRIPTION

The course offers a practical approach to the understanding and utilization of library materials and
services through skills development in five areas: locating, retrieving, evaluating, documenting, and
presenting information.

RATONALE FOR STUDYING THE SUBJECT

The world of information is changing at an ever increasing rate, due mainly to the advent of the
Computer Age. Information literacy, including computer skills, is essential for success in today's
world.

     "Instructional programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment or
     further study, at the same time equipping them through liberal education for lifelong
     learning in a changing world."       -- from WSU Mission Statement

COURSE GOAL

Each student achieves basic information literacy and a working level of independent proficiency in
the utilization of library-based information resources for academic success and lifelong learning.

SUPPORTING OBJECTIVES

1. Given the resources of the WSU libraries and a research topic of the student's choice,
    the student applies a systematic plan to successfully locate, evaluate, and document useful
    information.

2. The student organizes the information retrieved into a formal bibliography on the chosen topic,
     with each entry correctly documented, described, and evaluated.

CLASS SESSIONS

A typical session consists of lecture combined with discussion, incorporating the projection
of visuals on a large screen. Lab sessions are hands-on, dedicated to the use of computers
and library materials, and provides time for the completion of assignments which emphasize
writing, accuracy, and critical thinking in research.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must contact Services for
Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can also
arrange to provide course materials (including this syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.

GRADING

The final grade will be determined on the basis of total points earned in three categories.
Each category is weighted as follows:

Exams (30%)
     Final examination (600 points)

Assignments (40%)
     8 exercises (100 points each)

Term Project (30%)
     Annotated bibliography w/bib cards (600 points)

At term's end all points in all categories will be tallied and a grade awarded according
to the following table:

   % of Pts.

     92-100
     88-91
     84-87
     79-83
     75-78
     72-74
     67-71
     63-66
     59-62
     54-58
     50-53
   below 50

Grade

      A
      A-
      B+
      B
      B-
      C+
      C
      C-
      D+
      D
      D-
      E

INSTRUCTOR'S EXPECTATIONS OF THE STUDENT

Attends every class session. Discusses foreseen absences with the instructor beforehand.

Makes certain all instruction content is received. When absent or late, s/he obtains a copy
of lecture notes from either a classmate or the instructor and a copy of any distributed materials
by contacting the instructor. Takes thorough lecture notes.

Submits all work on time. Notifies the instructor beforehand of any foreseen problems.

Makes sure all instruction and course requirements are understood.
Understands that the student has to ask for help. Makes contact with the instructor
quickly to discuss any unclear concepts, directions, requirements, etc. and does not
proceed until the assignment is fully understood.

Accomplishes all required course work. Submits no unanswered exercise questions or
incomplete projects.

Accepts critical feedback. Has a positive attitude toward learning and knowledge.
Realizes that mistakes are an important part of learning, and seeks to learn from them.

Is committed to effort, quality, learning, and the value of diversity. Does not seek to
blame others or find excuses. Is not satisfied with "just getting by" but takes initiative to learn
beyond the course requirements, to improve his/her writing, and to inquire and discover much
on his/her own. Demonstrates respect for the diversity of others and their ideas by actively
interacting and studying with them.
.

ACTIVITIES

Assignments. Exercises are designed to involve students directly with information resources in a
practical way. About one-third of the time will be given to lab sessions for completion of work.
Each assignment is designed to provide maximum learning value if completed as nearly as
possible to the time it is assigned. Any questions concerning an assignment should be
resolved with the instructor before the assignment is turned in. Once submitted, the score
will stand. However, students are encouraged to discuss questions about the score with the
instructor. Scores may be negotiated and changed if justified.

Final Exam. Questions will be drawn from lecture notes and handouts. The exam must be
taken at the date and time scheduled. Any exceptions must be cleared in advance with
the instructor.

Term Project. The specifications and requirements will be discussed in a separate class
session. They are also available on handout 2. The project consists of an annotated
bibliography including bib cards and note cards.

OTHER POLICIES

Deadlines. Each assignment is due when you come to class on the session after lab. Any
exceptions will be announced by the instructor. The term project is due at the beginning of
the final exam hour as published in this syllabus. Students have 30 days from the final exam to
retrieve their projects and are encouraged to do so as they may prove useful in other courses.
They will be available at the circulation desk. No work will be accepted after the final exam.

Attendance. No attendance record is kept. However, at the instructor's discretion attendance
patterns may be considered in figuring the final grade where point totals fall near the dividing line
between grades.

Participation. Participation in class discussions may be used at the instructor's discretion for
grading purposes when point totals at term's end fall near the dividing line between grades.

Extra Credit, Make-up Work, Re-submissions. No provision has been made for these
unless otherwise specified by the instructor. However, scores or grades will be adjusted for
valid errors made by the instructor in scoring.

STUDY RESOURCES AND ASSIGNED READINGS

Available at Library Reference Table 2 and Reserve (ask for it under
     either "Reference" or "Library Science")

     Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 5th ed. New York:
          MLA, 1999.

Useful Online Links:

     Example of the term project

     Finding books

     Finding articles

     Evaluating

     Documenting

Readings:

     Reading #1 Outline of the Research Process
                         (Study the left-hand side link titled: "Selecting a Research Topic"
                         and do the "Exercises")

     Reading #2 From Information to Publication
                        (Do the "Exercises". You need not do the quiz, assignment, or
                        left-hand side links)

     Reading #3 MLA Citation Style ("Works Cited List" only)

     Reading #4 Critically Evaluating Information
                        (You need not do the quiz or side links but do the
                        "Exercises". Have fun using the Web Site Evaluator)

     Reading #5 Module 1: Introduction and Internet Communication
                        (Study the following left-hand side links only:
                           "Information Examples"
                           "Internet Explorer"
                           "Internet Uses"
                           "Netscape")

     Reading #6 Module 3: Information Navigator
                        (Study the following left-hand side links only:
                            "Boolean Logic"
                            "Creating Annotations"
                            "Creating Search Statements"
                            "Critically Evaluating Information"
                                  (Try "Web Site Evaluator")
                            "Documenting Sources"
                            "Using Internet Search Engines")
                         (Do the "Exercises")

     Reading #7 Using Library Catalogs to Find Books
                         (Stop at "Exercises". You need not do the quiz or side links)

     Reading #8 Using Article Databases to Find Articles
                         (Stop at "Exercises". You need not do the quiz or side links)

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Last modified August 17, 2000. Send comments to acarpenter@weber.edu