LS 111: Library Information Literacy for E-Learners
Course Outline
Topics and Objectives by Weekly Unit
Week 1: Start Exploring
Become familiar with the course content, Blackboard site, and Egan Library website
Brainstorm research topics
Introduce yourself and learn about your classmates
Week 2: The Research Process & Topic Development
Examine the research process
Use a concept map and questions to focus a research topic
Read a citation and use citation tools
Week 3: The Language of Search & Search Strategies
Break down a topic into keywords and related terms
Identify and use subject headings and Boolean operators in search
Use OneSearch to find sources on your research topic
Week 4: Popular Sources & Evaluation Strategies
Distinguish between popular and academic sources & primary and secondary sources
Use databases to find popular sources on a topic
Evaluate a popular source using the 5Ws framework
Week 5: Academic Sources & The Scholarly Conversation
Explore the idea that scholarship is like a conversation
Define peer review
Identify the parts of a research article and the best way to read a research article
Use subject databases and Google Scholar to find scholarly articles
Week 6: Exploring the World Wide Web & Hot Topics in Information Literacy
Examine bias in web searching
Explore other current issues in information literacy related to the Internet
Use advanced web search strategies to find text-based information and multimedia
Evaluate a web resource
Week 7: Fact Checking & Avoiding Mis/Disinformation
Explore and use SIFT fact checking strategies
Create final bibliography
Week 8: Creative Rights and Responsibilities
Understand your rights and responsibilities as a creator and user of information
Complete research process reflection
Week 9: Resources for Lifelong Learning & Course Wrap-up
Review research resources for lifelong learning
Complete post-assessment
Course Projects
LS 111 has two culminating projects. Your weekly classwork will guide you through the steps to complete these.
Bibliography of Sources on Your Selected Research Topic:
Choose a broad topic that interests you & focus it into a research topic
Use course activities to find a variety of credible sources on your topic
Select the ten best sources and compile them into a bibliography (there are a few source requirements)
Research Reflection:
Reflect on your research process over the course of the class in a short (1-2 page) paper
Questions are provided to guide you through your reflection