LIBR 1001: Library Research & Information Literacy

Welcome to LIBR 1001!

The LIBR 1001 basics:

• Fully online 9-week course at College of the Siskiyous (offered in the Spring semester)
• 1 credit
• Expect to spend about 4 hours per week working on the class
• No prior experience with research necessary!
• Taught by Jude Baldwin from the College of the Siskiyous Library

“If we knew what we were doing, it would not be called research, would it? - attributed to Albert Einstein

What You'll Learn

We are surrounded by information but how much do you know about it? Where does it come from? What information is valuable? Can it be ethically re-used? How can you find information other than using Google? This course is an introduction to the research process, which you can apply to college research assignments as well as to the workplace and your own life-long learning.

You will learn how to:

• Find information using a variety of library and other internet resources
• Evaluate information to make sure it meets your needs
• Cite the sources you use in your research projects

By the end of the course, you will:

• Be more comfortable searching the Library's main databases and the library catalog (OneSearch)
• Know about the pros and cons of different types of sources
• Gain practice evaluating sources
• Explore algorithms, filter bubbles, and bias
• Build your confidence about when to cite sources and citation basics

Information about how to use AI tools for research, like ChatGPT, are included throughout the course; using AI tools is optional for some assignments (it is never required).

“Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose. - Zora Neale Hurston (1)

What You'll Do

Class information will be shared through readings, videos, and audio (captions and/or transcripts provided for all media). All course materials are free. Many reading selections will be from Introduction to College Research by Walter D. Butler, Aloha Sargent, and Kelsey Smith.

Learning activities will include:

• Group discussions
• Quizzes (untimed, repeatable & low stress!)
• Final research project

Please note: This web page is designed to give you a basic overview of the course. It is not the official course syllabus so readings, assignments, and topics may change before the course begins.

“Research means that you don’t know, but are willing to find out. - attributed to Charles F. Kettering

Have Questions?

If you have any questions about LIBR 1001, please contact Jude in the College of the Siskiyous Library.

Jude Baldwin, your College of the Siskiyous Librarian
Phone: (530) 938-5331
Email: jbaldwin2@iskiyous.edu

“Research is something that everyone can do, and everyone ought to do. It is simply collecting information and thinking systematically about it. - attributed to Raewyn Connell

(1) Hurston, Z. N. (1995) Dust Tracks on a Road. In C. A. Wal (Ed.), Zora Neale Hurston: Folklore, Memoirs, and Other Writings (pp. 557-808). Library of America. [quote on p.687; book can be found in the COS Library at 398.092 H966f 1995]