LIB100: Information Literacy
Instruction & Learning at ZSR
About LIB100
The ZSR Library teaches several sections of a 1.5-hour Information Literacy course each semester entitled Accessing Information in the 21st Century (LIB 100).
The specifics of the classes vary by instructors, but students learn to select a topic, locate reference materials, scholarly books, scholarly journal articles and scholarly web sites relevant to their topic. Along the way students become familiar with the ZSR Library and its catalog, our online databases and sources of good scholarly information on the web. Students learn to cite sources appropriately in either MLA or APA style. Strong emphasis is given to learning to evaluate information to determine how appropriate it is for research and whether it is credible, scholarly information. Issues of copyright, plagiarism and the impact of the Internet on research are also covered. Courses are taught by Library faculty and are held in the ZSR Library 476 classroom (near the Reference Department on the 4th floor of the Wilson Wing). Just follow the ASK sign!
About the LIB200 Series
The ZSR Library teaches several sections of 1.5-hour, 200-level Information Literacy / Library Science courses.
These classes cover content similar to the LIB100 course, but the content is tailored to subject-specific research and is designed to be relevant for students who have declared a major in a specific discipline. Courses are taught by Library faculty with disciplinary expertise and are held in the ZSR Library 476 classroom (near the Reference Department on the 4th floor of the Wilson Wing), unless otherwise noted. Just follow the ASK sign!
The courses currently offered as part of the LIB200 series are:
- LIB210: Social Science Research Sources and Strategies
- LIB220: Science Research Sources and Strategies
- LIB230: Business & Accountancy Research Sources and Strategies
- LIB240: Humanities Research Sources and Strategies
- LIB260: History of the Book 1500-2000
What We Teach
More than 450 students take a library class each year. We take our obligation to these students very seriously, and as such have created a lot of support documentation for library instructors and our students.
LIB100 Template
Starting in the Fall of 2012, LIB100 is transitioning from a one-hour course to a 1.5 hour course. As such we are completely updating the LIB100 template. We will be doing extensive work this summer planning the best course template we possibly can create, both based on current pedagogy and interviews with experts in each topic covered in the class. This template will be available soon, and instructors can choose how they would like to incorporate the content in their own class.
LIB100 Activities Menu
Our Library faculty have extensive instruction experience and are skilled in conveying current information in research and information literacy. Because of this we have developed a menu so that instructors can find specific activities they can incorporate into their class if they have a specific issue they’d like to find a current event to illustrate or activities to help engage students in learning. This menu will be available in June 2012.
LIB100 Textbook
Several LIB100 faculty members contributed to a textbook to support LIB100. This book can be used to support a specific class, or students might find background information to be helpful if they need additional perspectives on a given topic. The textbook will be available in May 2012.
Teaching Strategies
LIB100 faculty take their teaching obligation very seriously, and most continually update their course and stay abreast of current developments in pedagogy and instructional technology. To help faculty in this pursuit, we have an internal training series called “teaching strategies” in which faculty can gain the most current knowledge and skill in order to make their courses be the most relevant and engaging they possibly can be. For more information, see the Teaching Strategies page.
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Learning Outcomes
The LIB100/200 program uses learning outcomes to guide the development of courses and ensure students have a common learning experience across various Library courses.
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What do librarians teach?
ZSR librarians teach a variety of topics dealing with today’s information environment:
- How to use the library
- How to do academic research
- How to do research on the web
- How to evaluate sources
- How to use sources in academic projects
In addition to this, librarians teach classes about emerging and established technologies that can aid in information finding and research.
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In-Class Session
To request a session, please complete the Classroom Instruction Request form.
For more information, please contact Rosalind Tedford, Director of Research & Instruction.