LIB 111: Information Resources

Section 03 - Spring 2008 - 2nd Block
Tu/Th 8:30 - 9:20
Pickler Memorial Library Room 103

Course Objectives

LIB 111 is a course designed to introduce Truman State University students to the process of in-depth research and information analysis.  Course content and assignments will concentrate on locating and using information resources available physically in Pickler Memorial Library and accessible through its electronic databases. However, the overall objective of the course is to familiarize students with the wide variety of information sources available and the strength that each can bring to a well-rounded research project.  Students successfully completing this course should be able to

• Differentiate between various types of information resources, including scholarly publications, popular magazines, newspapers, government documents, primary and secondary sources, and Internet sites
• Locate these resources in Pickler Memorial Library, in other Missouri academic libraries, and in various electronic formats
• Evaluate these information sources for their usefulness in any given research project
• Demonstrate (through an assigned final project) a thorough knowledge of the research process, from reviewing secondary literature on a topic to compiling a bibliography of information sources

Links

Class Calendar

**This schedule is subject to change as needed

Grading and Evaluation

Course evaluation will be based on the following criteria

10 Class Exercises @ 10 points each                              80 points**
 2 Out-of-Class Exercises @ 25 points each                     50 points
 4 Library Projects @ 50 points each                              200 points
 1 Quiz @ 50 points                                                        50 points
 1 Final Exam @150 points                                            150 points

 Total                                                                           530 points

**Perfect attendance earns 20 bonus points

Grades will be distributed on the following point basis

477 - 530  =  A
424 - 476  =  B
371 - 423  =  C
318 - 370  =  D
    0 - 317  =  F

Class Policies

"A student is expected to be present at all classes. Regular class attendance is necessary in order for a student to achieve the desired standard of academic achievement." University Attendance Policy 

1. Regular attendance is expected, as made clear in the University Attendance Policy above.
2. All cell phones should be completely turned off in the class room.
3. Food and drink are prohibited in the library and thus are not allowed in the classroom.
4. Classroom computers should always be focused on activities directly relevant to that day's materials and exercises for the class.  Personal e-mail, games, chat rooms, and other web sites are not to be accessed.
5. The quiz and the final exam may not be made up except under extreme or extenuating circumstances.  If at all possible, inform the instructor of these circumstances prior to the day of the event.
6. Violation of any of these policies can result in loss of that day's exercise points.

Assignments

"Students are expected to do their own academic work.  Any student involved in cheating on a paper, an examination, or in any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the class, the student's academic program, or the University."  University Policy on Academic Dishonesty

Students are expected to maintain integrity as outlined in the University policy above.  Projects and out-of-class exercises are to be completed independently.  It is perfectly acceptable to consult with others or work together when using the library resources required for the assignments but all answers should be your own.  Work that is clearly copied from others will result in loss of credit to both parties.

Projects and out-of-class exercises are due at the beginning of class on the dates indicated.  Late assignments will have 10 points deducted from their score if turned in within one week of their due date (5 points for out-of-class-exercises).  Assignments turned in later than this will receive half credit.  No late assignments will be accepted after the final exam.

Library Locations Exercise                   Due: Thursday, March 20th
Project #1                                           Due: Tuesday, April 1st
Issues in Information Exercise              Due: Tuesday, April 8th
Project #2                                           Due: Thursday, April 17th
Project #3                                           Due: Thursday, April 24th
Project #4                                           Due: Thursday, May 1st
 

Class Exercises

Class exercises are intended to reinforce skills and concepts covered during the class session.  They must be turned in by 9 pm on the day of the class session in order to receive credit for them.  The only exceptions to this policy will be documented illness or absence due to official university activities.  In the latter case, inform the instructor of these activities prior to the day of the event. Students who do not attend class cannot receive credit for that day’s exercise.  Copies of the exercises will be made available on the website after the class session is over so you can review any material you may have missed.

Presentations

Knowledge and Information

The Research Process

Reference Sources

Keyword Searching

Periodicals

Primary Resources

Glossary