LS 111: Library Information Literacy for E-Learners

Course Goals

Below is a list of specific skills (outcomes) that I hope you gain or improve by the end of this course. I also hope that you are able to apply what you learn in this course to your other courses and your life outside of school.

  • Critically evaluate information resources, with particular attention to authority and context, in order to select the best information possible for a specific purpose.

  • Assess different types of collections and information resources, primarily in the online environment, in order to determine the most useful collection and resource for a particular context and information need.

  • Formulate and revise search strategies in order to find relevant information using search tools and collections that are readily available to e-Learners.

  • Identify current issues related to information literacy and describe their impact on the individual and society.


This course emphasizes the UAS Undergraduate Competencies of communication, critical thinking, and information literacy.

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Course Catalog Description

This course is an introduction to the rapidly evolving information landscape, effective online research methods, and principles of information retrieval and organization. Emphasis is on teaching the skills necessary for the critical evaluation and use of online resources. Skills acquired are immediately relevant for other courses.

Course Evaluations

  • Formal class evaluations will take place during Week 7 using the Student Course Rating link in the sidebar of our Blackboard site. A link will also be provided in the Week 7 folder, and I will send you a reminder over email.

  • I will also seek your feedback on the course at the mid-way point and in the post-assessment.

  • You are welcome to email me feedback at any time.

small chalkboard with the word feedback written on it in white

"Feedback" by Got Credit is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Required Materials

Technology

In this course, digital devices are required to access course readings and videos, complete and submit written assignments, collaborate with others, and communicate with me.

You will need:

  • Access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection, preferably with a built-in or external microphone and web camera

  • A current web browser (Blackboard works best with Chrome and Firefox)

  • A PDF reader (such as Adobe Reader)

  • A word processing program (such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs):

    • Google Suite (including Docs, Slides, and Sheets) is provided to all students by UAS

    • Office 365 (including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) is free for all students to download or use online through your university account

  • Ability to take and upload photos or screenshots

Course video lectures are best viewed on a laptop / desktop computer, rather than a mobile device.

Since this course is entirely online, it is important to have a back-up technology plan in place (see resources below).

Textbooks - No Required Text

There is no required textbook for this course. All readings and course materials will be provided on our Blackboard course site.

Optional texts:

If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into information literacy than we have time for in this course, I highly recommend the following open source (free) online texts:

Student looks at an open notebook on top of a textbook with a tablet computer on a stand

Technology Resources Available to You

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Student computers at Egan Library

Digital devices (like laptops and cell phones) are becoming increasingly important to success in college. I recognize that some students are unable to afford the cost of purchasing digital devices and that other students rely on older, more problem-prone devices that frequently break down or become unusable. Some students also live in places with unreliable access to the Internet. I also recognize that these technology problems can be a significant source of stress for students. Given these challenges, please contact me right away if you experience a technology-related problem that interferes with your work in this course. This will enable me to assist you in accessing support.

Technology Support for E-Learners at UAS:

• UAS HelpDesk: Free support with issues related to UAS technology. Call 907-796-6440, toll free at 877-465-6400, Email uas.helpdesk@alaska.edu

• Google Suite / Google Drive: Free unlimited, secure online storage and access to word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.

• Free software (including Microsoft Office, Adobe Reader, etc.) for download and for cloud-based use.

If you live in Juneau:

• Free on-campus wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access through the “UAS” (secured) network.

• Laptops that students can borrow for 24 hours from the Egan Library (library hours).

• Desktop computers for student use (with full academic software) in the Egan Library.

Other resources:

• Most public libraries offer free computer / internet access.

• University students can typically receive discounts on devices from technology companies, including Apple, Dell, and Microsoft, as long as you register with your .edu email address.