Library 101:
Introduction To
Bibliography and Research Methods
Syllabus
 
 


LIBRARY 101                 Sheila Seaman
OFFICE HOURS                  MW 4:00 pm and by appointment 
OFFICE PHONE                 953-5530


seamans@cofc.edu
 
 




TEXT (optional)

Gibaldi, Joseph and Walter S. Achtert. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (5th ed.), 1999.

The MLA style manual is available at the College of Charleston bookstore.  It is also available on reserve at the Circulation/Reserves desk and at the Reference desk.

Duke University Libraries.  Guide to Library Research:  Citing Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism, Documentation Guidelines.
11 Dec. 2001. <http://www.lib.duke.edu/libguide/bib_webpage.htm>.
 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In Library 101, you will learn the skills necessary to use the library efficiently when preparing a research paper. These skills include selecting a topic, determining what books, periodicals, and electronic sources are available, evaluating these various sources, and preparing a formal bibliography on your topic. In addition students will gain a basic understanding of e-mail and basic Web searching.  By the end of the course, you should be able to develop a search strategy for any further research you might undertake.

ASSIGNMENTS

You will select an academic topic to research throughout the course. There will be approximately seven written assignments. The assignments should be saved and will become a significant part of the final project.  Each will cover different aspects of the research process. The final project will be the preparation of a formal bibliography which draws from the seven written assignments which will be assigned throughout the course. There will be one examination (mid-term) and possibly one quiz. All assignments must be submitted on time for full credit.

GRADING
 
 
A = 90-100 C = 70-75
B+= 86-89 D+= 66-69
B = 80-85  D = 60-6
C+= 76-79 F = below 60
The final grade will be weighted in the following manner:

Final project 50%

Daily assignments 20%

Examination 20%

Attendance & class participation 10%

At the college level, the quality of one's work takes on added dimensions.  Appearance, form, and style will be considered in addition to content.  All assignments should be typed or produced on a computer.

From the outset of the class there are two basic requirements:
 

  1. All students will be expected to register to use the library and will need a valid library bar code.

  2.  
  3. In addition, students will be expected to register and maintain an e-mail account on the College of Charleston network.
ATTENDANCE

The formal class meetings and assignments are designed to give background information needed to develop a search strategy and to successfully complete class assignments. Therefore, class attendance is necessary and will be a factor in overall grading. Remember, this class meets only half the semester and the amount of material covered is significant. Please notify me in advance by e-mail if you have an emergency and cannot attend a class session. The last day you may drop the course with a grade of "W" is January 30, 2002.

FINAL PROJECTS

Final projects are due NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM on February 27, 2002.
 







COURSE OUTLINE

Session #1 , Wed., Jan. 9
 

Session #2, Mon., Jan. 14 Session #3, Wed., Jan. 16 Monday, January 21st, Martin Luther King Holiday

Session #4, Wed.,  Jan. 23

Session #5, Mon., Jan. 28 Session #6, Wed., Jan. 30
*LAST DAY TO WITHDRAW WITH A "W"*
Session #7, Mon., Feb. 4 Session #8, Wed., Feb. 6 Session #9, Mon., Feb. 11 Session #10, Wed., Feb. 13 Session #11, Mon., Feb. 18 Session #12, Wed., Feb. 20 Session #13, Mon., Feb. 25 Session #14, Wed., Feb 27
*Final projects are due NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM*

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This page last updated 8 January 2002.
Many thanks to the HTML Writers Guild and Ender Design for the graphics on these pages.