GS 111 : Information Access and Application
Hands-on experience with wide range of information resources. Acquire skills necessary to access, evaluate, organize, and use information effectively.
Course Outcomes
- Narrow the purpose of the research by focusing on a specific question to be answered (i.e. formulate the central question).
- Use question and analysis techniques, identifying key words and phrases.
- Distinguish between controlled vocabulary and free text vocabulary.
- Conduct field-specific key word searches.
- Conduct free-text keyword searches.
- Use Boolean operators to broaden, narrow and exclude searches.
- Use online retrieval tools for retrospective information (e.g. INLEX, DYNIX).
- Use reference sources when appropriate.
- Use printed indexes to access periodical sources.
- Use electronic databases to access current resources.
- Define the type of information appropriate to the search question (i.e. primary or secondary).
- Develop a search strategy.
- Track bibliographic information for all resources utilized in the course of the search.
- Utilize A Writer's Reference by Diane Hacker for producing bibliographic citations.
- Evaluate information sources on the basis of established criteria (e.g. relevance, currency, etc.).
- Select information that directly pertains to the central question.
- Compare and generalize information from all selected sources.
- Determine the most effective method of presentation.
- Plan the Final project using a selected organizational style.
- Draw conclusions based upon search information.
- Evaluate the project and the search process.