Library and Information Studies 100
Library Research Fundamentals
Syllabus - Section # 5840003
Spring 2009
Instructor: Anita Varela
Office: Library 117-3
Office Hour: Tuesday from 10:00 am –11:00 am or by appointment
Phone: (714) 628-5020 Office
Phone: (714) 628-5000 Library
Email: varela_anita@sccollege.edu
Course Description
This is a one-unit course transferable to CSU/UC. The course is designed to teach students basic collegelevel research skills. Instruction includes print and non-print information sources such as reference
books, scholarly material, online subscription databases and the Internet. Students will visit a library to
complete hands-on exercises.
Course Textbook – Required
List-Handley, Carla J. Information Literacy & Technology. 4th ed. Dubuque, IA:
Kendall/Hunt, 2008.
The textbook is available for purchase at the SCC Bookstore. A copy of the textbook is available for
check-out in the Library at the Circulation counter as a 2-hour Course Reserve item.
Course Objectives
After completion of the course, students will:
1. understand and explain the way information is organized
2. develop effective search strategies and use technology tools to locate and retrieve information
3. develop critical thinking skills through the analysis & evaluation of information sources
4. be prepared to conduct research in other libraries
5. recognize research skills are vital in our information-based technological driven world.
Student Learning Outcome
Given a research topic, students will construct a search strategy to locate and retrieve one library print
source and one online database source, relevant to the topic and cite the two sources using the MLA
documentation style.
Grading
The final course grade is based on a cumulative number of points earned for each assignment. At the
end of the semester the total points will determine the final letter grade. 90% and above = A, 80% and
above = B, 70% and above = C, 60% and above = D, and below 60% = F.
Course Requirements & Blackboard General Information
Weekly participation is required. You must login to the Blackboard course management program to
access the course material that includes weekly lectures, discussions and assignments. The web address
(URL) for Blackboard:
http://rsccd.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp
Make sure that you follow the Login Instructions (located on the far right on this webpage).
You are required to visit a library to complete two of the assignments. You may use the Santiago Canyon
College Library or another college, university or public library of your choice.
Each week you will access different components of the course. These include: the weekly lecture,
exercises, the discussion board, and online quizzes. In addition, you must read the chapters in the
textbook as outlined. I recommend that you begin each week by reading the textbook chapters, then
complete the assignments in the order listed in the Weekly Course Readings & Assignments handout.
All assignments must be completed & submitted online on the due date by 11:00 pm.
Special Needs
Students with verifiable disabilities who want to request academic accommodations are responsible for
notifying their instructor and Disabled Students Programs & Services (DSPS) as early as possible in the
semester. For accommodations, contact DSPS by phone (714) 628-4860 or (714) 639-9742 (TDD for
hearing impaired students) or in person at the DSPS Center, E-105.
Student Conduct
All students are responsible for maintaining appropriate conduct while enrolled in classes through the
RSCCD. Guidelines for student conduct are set forth in the RSCCD “Standards of Student Conduct”
policy. Detailed information regarding student discipline and rights within this policy is available in the
college catalog (p. 25) and student handbook. Students who violate the Standards of Conduct are
subject to disciplinary action which includes, but is not limited to, removal from class, suspension and
expulsion.
Academic Honesty Policy
Students are expected to abide by ethical standards in preparing and presenting material.
These standards are based on concepts of integrity and honesty. Cheating of any kind will not be
tolerated. Students are urged to review the Santiago Canyon College policy on Academic Honesty on
page 20 of the college catalog. Cheating includes, but is not limited to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
direct copying of another student's work (of any kind)
completing work for other students or taking the course for other students
plagiarism of published materials, including Internet materials
cheating on quizzes or exams
any conduct that can be construed as an attempt to gain points dishonestly.
Course Readings & Assignments
A copy of the readings and assignments for the course is available on the Blackboard course site. To
view, open the Course Information link and select the file named, Weekly Course Readings &
Assignments.
Library, Fine & Performing Arts & Communication Division
Varela - Spring 2009
Santiago Canyon College
LIBI 100 - 5840003