LIB 3 -- Research Skills: Internet & Information Competency

For an orientation (optional) come to the Gavilan Library Reference Desk.
Orientations are available at the library on a walk-in basis.
You do not need to call ahead to reserve a place in one of our informative sessions.
Please click here for a schedule of upcoming orientations.

On October 14, click on the link below
to see a tutorial on logging into your online class or to log into the class directly.

Please note: Once you enter the site for LIB3/CSIS 3, you will find your lectures and assignments listed by week.

ALL STUDENTS MUST SEND ME A CURRENT AND WORKING E-MAIL ADDRESS
BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK.
My e-mail address is smeader@gavilan.edu

Title and Dates:

Research Skills

October 14 - December 8, 2008

This class is conducted online. This means that all the class lectures are available to you online and you will submit all your assignments online. However, you may also be required to use books, videos, etc. in order to complete your assignments that may not be available to you over the Internet.

Contact Information:

Susan Meader , MLS

The best way to reach me is by email:

Email address: smeader@gavilan.edu

If you need assistance with any of your assignments, you can talk to any of the librarians at Gavilan College or you may e-mail me.

1) You can call a Gavilan Reference Librarian at (408) 848-4806, and be sure to leave a message, if necessary.

2) You can come to the Gavilan Library Reference desk. During the Spring semester, the library is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. , Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Friday. The library is closed weekends.

Date, Time & Place:

All assignments for this class are submitted completely online. You will never have to come to class. You can submit your assignments at any time of the day or night, from any Internet connection you have available: your own, your friend's, or your local public library.

Description:

Research and evaluation skills using the Internet and other electronic resources, as well as traditional printed materials and local historical collections.

Text:

There is no required text for this class. However, you will need a Gavilan College Library Card in order to access some of the databases. All lessons and assignments will become available from the LIB003/CSIS003 homepage in Moodle.

Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to conduct successful searches for books, journal articles, newspaper articles and Internet articles. They will be able to evaluate the resources they find according to currency, credibility, documentation and accuracy. They will also be aware of local collections, print or other materials. They will be able to write citations for the information they find in the standard MLA format.

Course Requirements:

Students will satisfactorily complete:

22 online worksheets on search tools & strategies
5 postings to a class bulletin board forum (to respond to assignment directions and to respond to fellow students' postings)
Final quiz
Bibliography of individual research project

Grades:

Grades will be determined by the percentage system:

Online Exercises 22     3 points each      66

Forum postings    5 2 points each 10

Final Quiz    1 25 points 25

Bibliography Project    1 15 points 15

Total possible points 116

95%+ = A (Every single assignment must be completed)

90%-94% = A- (Every single assignment must be completed)

85% - 89% = B+

83% - 84% = B

80% - 82% = B-

75% - 79% = C+

70% - 74% = C

55% - 69% = D

54% or less = F

Note: Assignments are due and must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on the due date. Technical glitches and power outages occasionally occur, so allow yourself plenty of time to work on your assignments. Late assignments are not accepted.

Details about your online class:

Even though the class does not meet formally, this does not mean that you will be able to move through the class at your own speed. A major part of the class involves class participation, discussing assignments and problems with your classmates. This means that everyone needs to be doing the same assignments at approximately the same time.

Please note also that, unfortunately, I do not live on the computer and cannot answer all your questions within 20 minutes. Just as in a traditional classroom you usually have to wait until the next class meeting to get answers, you may have to wait for a response from me. I will check the discussion board and my email every day, Monday through Friday, and will respond to all questions within 2 working days.

More Details:

Attachments: Your bibliography project will be a word processing document. Save this in RTF format. There should be an option on the save screen of your word processing software. Send this document as an attachment to your email message to me. I'll be able to read it whether it came from a Mac or a PC, written in Claris Works or Microsoft Word, and from most other programs.

Click here for a tutorial on saving a file as an rtf document.

Tech Support: If you have technical problems (logging in, sending files, or maneuvering around the website) email me at: smeader@gavilan.edu or call the Distance Education Coordinator at (408) 848-4885 or email her at disted@gavilan.edu.

ADA Accommodation Statement: Students requiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact me, their counselor, or the Disabled Student Services Office..

Student Honesty Policy Reference Statement: Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity. Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.

Address of this page:
http://hhh.gavilan.edu/smeader/lib3/
Last updated : October 11, 2008
Please email smeader@gavilan.edu for questions or comments