LIBR 1101 - Academic Research and the Library

General Information

If you are enrolled in a webct section of LIBR1101 you must attend an orientation session at the beginning of the semester. Please see WebCT Announcements for LIBR1101 for specific dates, times, and instructors for the various orientation sessions.

Syllabus

This course is an introduction to academic research and the effective use of the library. The course will provide an introduction to efficient and effective use of library and information resources and technology, using an academic library as a laboratory setting for hands-on experience in the scholarly communication process. The course will provide instruction in the access, evaluation, and utilization of disciplinary literature. Traditional library research techniques will be covered and emphasis will be given to modern methods of information retrieval, using online, interactive computer capability.

Required Text

Badke, William B. Research Strategies: Finding Your Way Through the Information Fog. 2nd ed. New York: IUniverse, Inc., c2004

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: MLA, 2003.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand the intellectual organization of information sources and the consequences of that organization in accessing information.
2. Students will be able to identify functional areas of the library and understand their significance to the research process.
3. Students will recognize the various types of information sources they will encounter while doing research and will understand the appropriate use of the different types of information sources.
4. Students will be able to access, evaluate, and select research materials.
5. Students will learn the principles of proper documentation.
6. Students will learn the principles and techniques of using the Internet for research.
7. Students will be competent in the use of a library and its resources.

Research can be a daunting task for many students. The availability of numerous research resources, both electronic and paper, has increased the opportunity for greater coverage of research topics. However, this same volume of materials tends to increase the confusion of many students. Through a systematic, well-developed search strategy, research can be efficient, effective and approached in a positive manner.

This course will introduce students to basic research methods utilizing paper and electronic databases. To develop and refine research techniques requires practice AND this is a class that involves process; you are learning how to correctly do research. Therefore, the class will include a great deal of hands-on experience.

Lesson 1--Introduction to Libraries
Lesson 2--Research Process
Lesson 3--Structure of Literature
Lesson 4--Documentation
Lesson 5--Access Tools
Lesson 6--Encyclopedias
Lesson 7--Books
Lesson 8--Introduction to Periodicals
Lesson 9--Newspapers
Lesson 10--Magazines
Lesson 11--Scholarly Journals
Lesson 12--Government Publications
Lesson 13--Internet
Lesson 14--Other Sources

Grades

The final grade will be based on the following scale:

• 90-100 A
• 80-89 B
• 70-79 C
• 60-69 D
• 59-Below F

Components of the final grade:

• Worksheets
• Application Assignments
• Mid Term Exam
• Semester Project
• Final Exam

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. If plagiarism or another act of academic dishonesty occurs, it will be dealt with in accordance with the academic misconduct policy as stated in The Uncatalog and The Undergraduate Catalog. Academic dishonesty is defined in Section 2.00, Conduct Code: Prohibited Conduct of the The UWG Uncatalog (Student Handbook).

Course Instructors

Instructor	Office No.	Email Address	Telephone No.
Michael Aldrich	114/Library	maldrich@westga.edu	678.839.6357
Diane Fulkerson	215/Library	dfulkers@westga.edu	678.839.6362
Mark McManus	103/Library	mmcmanus@westga.edu	678.839.6492
Shirley Lankford	212/Library	slankfor@westga.edu	678.839.6358
Dorothy Pittman	216/Library	dpittmanhortons@juno.com	770.832.8021
Jan Ruskell	116/Library	jruskell@westga.edu	678.839.6364
Mary Jane Rootes	214/Library	mrootes@westga.edu	678.839.6363

Students in Wheelchairs