Description:

This course provides an introduction to the methods and technologies of library research. Included will be a study of the various information resources available for research and techniques for retrieving information from both print and electronic sources. The resources of Billington Library will be featured, although the emphasis will be on building information retrieval skills that will be useful in many settings.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): NONE

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Locate the major service areas of the JCCC Library.
2. Demonstrate basic information retrieval by using the online public access catalog to locate books and audiovisual materials held by the JCCC Library.
3. Describe the structure of the Library of Congress Classification System and differentiate among the various categories of reference materials.
4. Use print and electronic periodical indexes.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of electronic search terminology and practice methods of searching, such as keyword searching and the use of Boolean operators.
6. Define terminology associated with the Internet.
7. Explain the concept of search engines for locating information on the World Wide Web and apply this knowledge to locate useful Web sites.
8. Identify area libraries and employ the functions of Interlibrary Loan Services for materials not held at our library.
9. Compose library research strategies to meet information needs.
10. Evaluate information sources, both print and electronic.
11. Select an appropriate citation style and write accurate citations for academic purposes.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction
   A. Discuss the purpose and desired outcomes of this course.
   B. Compare the purpose and function of a modern library with libraries
of the past.
   C. Locate major service points in the JCCC Library.

II. Basics of Online Searching
   A. Retrieve assigned information from JCCC's online public access
catalog.
   B. Perform an author, title, or subject search of an online public
access catalog.
   C. Retrieve required periodical citations and/or articles from an
electronic database.

III. The Reference Collection
   A. Locate library materials using the Library of Congress
Classification System and subject headings.
   B. Identify categories of reference materials.
   C. Use reference book features such as introduction, index(es),
abbreviations list, etc.

IV. Extended Reference Collection
   A. Identify JCCC periodical indexes that cover a given topic.
   B. Identify JCCC reference sources that are appropriate for a given
topic.

V. Computers in Libraries
   A. Discuss the importance of computers for library research.
   B. Describe the basic components that make up the computer.
   C. Describe database search concepts: keyword searching and Boolean
logic.

VI. Search Strategies for Individual Needs
   A. Assess an information need.
   B. Choose a topic.
   C. Develop a research plan.

VII. Advanced Online Searching
   A. Limit a catalog search by media and language.
   B. Describe the function of "and," "or" and "not" in constructing an
effective electronic database search statement.
   C. Describe keyword and phrase search techniques.
   D. Use the advanced search features of an electronic database to
retrieve periodical material.

VIII. Internet Basics
   A. Identify major milestones in the history of the Internet.
   B. Describe the characteristics of the World Wide Web.
   C. Describe e-mail.

IX. Introduction to Internet Searching
   A. Define web browser terminology.
   B. Describe basic characteristics of a web search engine.
   C. Use web search engines to retrieve specific information.

X. Additional Online Sources
   A. Find a list of reference services that exist on the Web.
   B. Find current information on the Web.
   C. Use or describe ebooks, electronic document delivery, or other
library applications of Internet technology.

XI. Area Libraries and Interlibrary Loan
   A. Identify some of the major libraries in the area.
   B. Determine if area libraries own requested materials.
   C. Describe options to obtain library materials that are not owned by
the JCCC Library.

XII. Evaluation of Information Sources
   A. Discuss the need to evaluate information sources.
   B. List criteria for evaluating information sources.
   C. Evaluate assigned web pages using specific criteria.

XIII. Citing Resources
   A. Describe the need to cite research resources.
   B. List the essential elements of a bibliographic citation.
   C. Prepare citations according to a specified style.

XIV. Summary and Review for Final

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Exercises, Quizzes, Discussion, Participation 40-70% of grade
Examinations                                  30-60% of grade

Caveats:

1. Reference and reserve materials in print form which are required for course assignments will be found in the JCCC Library. (Some reference works can be found in many area libraries.) The student will need a current JCCC ID in order to use the computer labs at JCCC.
2. If this course is offered in distance learning mode, via the Internet, then the student must be able to access the World Wide Web from an off-campus location or be able to travel to the JCCC campus in order to use library or computer lab workstations.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.