Library 1: Introduction to Libraries/Info. Sources

Course Information

Library 1: Introduction to Libraries and Information Sources

1 unit
Online Course

Course Description

This one-unit course teaches basic college-level research skills necessary for effective use of traditional and contemporary information resources. Emphasis is placed on the ability to develop search strategies and evaluate information sources. We will cover different levels and types of information in both print and electronic formats, including information available over the Internet.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, you will be able to do the following:

Course Organization

The course is divided into nine modules. Each module corresponds to one week (two classroom hours) in the college semester. The modules are, as follows:

  1. Library arrangement and online catalog
  2. Classification systems and Library of Congress subject headings
  3. Introduction to the research process
  4. Information evaluation and citation of sources
  5. Indexes
  6. Reference resources
  7. Electronic databases
  8. Introduction to the Internet
  9. Review. Compilation of a bibliography

We will use the Internet to visit various websites throughout the course. The links are thoroughly checked at the beginning of the course; however, due to the volatility of the Web environment, please inform the instructor of any inactive links.

Course Requirements

Participation on the forum discussion is required.

The following assignments are to be completed:

  1. Eight assignments to be completed and turned in by their due date.
  2. A bibliography to be completed and turned in by its due date.

Refer to the calendar for the due date of each assignment.

Many of the assignments can be completed using online resources; however, some of the assignments necessitate access to standard print resources. You may use the resources at LBCC Library or comparable resources at another library of your choice.

Please note: If you have not participated in the course for two straight weeks by either submitting an assignment or posting a message on the discussion forum, you will automatically be dropped from the class.

Development of Core Competencies

Every class at LBCC equips students with specific core competencies to prepare them to become life-long learners. In this class you will learn some core skills which you can apply to other school or work situations. The core competencies addressed in this class are critical thinking, information technology and computer literacy, and communication.

Readings

Students are required to read the study guide for each module. Visits to the websites listed on the course-related pages are recommended.

Recommended Readings:

Mann, Thomas. The Oxford Guide to Library Research. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 5th ed. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 1999.

Online Chats

Instructor White is available for online chats—including instant messaging, text chat, audio chats, and video chats—whenever she is online, which is frequently. Her Apple iChat screen name is mwhite11, and her AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) screen name is monicawhite11.

Grading

This is a CR/NC (credit/no credit) course. In order to earn a CR, you must accumulate at least 70 points. There is no option to earn a letter grade. Here is a breakdown of the points you may earn:

Class Drop

It is the student's responsibility to officially drop the class. Please check the deadline for dropping at the Admissions Office.

Accessibility

Students with learning disabilities or physical challenges are entitled to assistance in order to achieve their academic goals. LBCC has an on-campus lab with voice browsers, screen readers, print enlargers and other assistive technology. Students who could benefit from such services are encouraged to contact the Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) at (562) 938-4558 or the TDD line at (562) 938-4833. The Lib 1 course website is designed for accessibility. Please contact Monica White with suggestions for making this course more usable and accessible.

http://coursepages.lbcc.edu/libmw/lib1olmw