Humboldt State University Library
SP 285: Beginning Academic Research
Fall 2006

Instructors:

Martha Johansen, L112A, 826-5600

Mary Kay, L117, 826-3414

Time: September 9, 10, 16, & 17, 2 Saturdays & 2 Sundays 1-5:30pm

Room: Library 121

Format: Lecture, practicum, exercises

Grading: Credit/No Credit

Required Tests: None

Course Description

This 1-unit class provides strategies, sources, and techniques for effective use of library and other information sources in print and electronic format. Students will learn about the structure of information; defining a topic; developing effective research strategies; tools for locating information in print sources, databases, and the Internet; evaluating information, and citing information.

Course Requirements

To receive credit for this class:

1. Attend all classes and participate in class discussion and activities
2. Satisfactorily complete all class exercises and homework assignments

Course Goals

Knowing how to find, evaluate, and use information is an essential part of a liberal education. Research skills play an increasing significant role in a student's ability to write effectively. As part of the liberal education process, this course is designed to fulfill the following introductory level information competency goals:

1. Develop reasonable familiarity with HSU Library resources and services, both physical and virtual
2. Understand the variety of content and format of information and be able to effectively state an information need, problem, or issue
3. Determine the information requirements for a research question, problem, or issue in order to formulate a search strategy that will use appropriate information tools
4. Develop the capability to locate and retrieve relevant information using a variety of information tools
5. Develope the capability to critically evaluate and analyze information content gathered from a variety of sources.
6. Begin to understand the ethical, legal, and socio-political issues surrounding the use of information

Course Outline