Course Description
LIBY 1210 will introduce you to the organization, finding, and critical evaluation of information from print, electronic, and other sources. It is designed to increase your awareness and mindfulness of information in your life and in the world. You will learn (1) how information is organized; (2) the concepts of the research process; (3) the effective use of web sources, library catalogs, periodical indexes and databases, reference resources; and (4) the ethical use of information, including appropriate citation formats. This means that you will learn how to find the information you need for assignments and research here at CSU East Bay.
Course Objectives
You will successfully complete LIBY 1210 when you are able to:
- choose and focus a topic and formulate a research question;
- develop systematic search strategies which can be applied to research for class projects;
- understand and use basic reference sources, online catalogs, periodical indexes and databases, and the Internet to locate, retrieve, and use information;
- critically evaluate information for validity and appropriateness for research projects;
- be aware of some of the ethical and legal issues surrounding information and the rights and responsibilities involved in information production, use, and dissemination;
- document your research (including citing the sources you used).
Online access
All assignments will be posted online at the course’s website, http://LIBY1210-04.blogspot.com. Please visit this website for contact information. Only grades will be posted on the course’s Blackboard site. Details will be discussed in class.
Grading
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = below 60
Participation (1 point each class): 10 points
Assignments (20 at 3 points each): 60 points
Research project: 20 points
Final Quiz: 10 points
Total: 100 points
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED! Exceptions: illness (with a note from a medical professional), a death in the family, or by prior arrangement. Please contact me BEFORE the assignment is due if you will not be able to turn it in on time. However, on-time assignments may be redone. Details will be discussed in class.
Class participation: This includes coming to class on-time and actively participating in class activities.
Assignments: Each assignment will be due by 9pm on the Monday following the class during which it is assigned.
Project: Guidelines will be posted on Blackboard and discussed in class.
You are expected to know and abide by the section on Academic Dishonesty in the 2005-2006 University Catalog. On the web, see: http://www.csuhayward.edu/ecat/20052006/i-120grading.html#section12.
A final note
If you have questions about any aspect of this course, please contact me by email, telephone, or in person in my office or at the reference desk. I will work with you to help you learn the most that you can! Your responsibility is to communicate with me.
