LIB100: Academic Research & Information Issues

This 1.5-semester hour course provides a basic understanding of concepts in the research process, enabling students to identify appropriate strategies for filling the information need. The course explores the broad array of information sources in various formats and disciplines, and emphasizes the organization, efficient retrieval, and critical evaluation of electronic and print information. Along the way, students become familiar with the ZSR Library and the vast array of resources available to the through the Library.

LIB210: Social Science Research Sources & Strategies

This half-semester course is focused on helping students develop as emerging social science scholars by providing them with an understanding of the sources and strategies necessary for doing research in the Social Sciences (Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Education, Politics and International Affairs, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies). Students explore the interdisciplinarity of the Social Sciences and learn to recognize the various disciplines in any given topic within the Social Sciences. Students practice inquiry by designing an effective research process for the Social Sciences, including crafting a research question and developing effective search strategies in a variety of environments. Students investigate a variety of sources and practice critically evaluating information. Additionally, students practice communicating like a scholar by developing proficiency in APA style and citation management software. Students also begin to participate in scholarly discussion of their discipline and reflect on issues related to information production, access, and authority.

LIB220: Science Research Sources & Strategies

This half-semester course provides students with an understanding of the sources and strategies necessary for doing research in the natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, and health and exercise science). Students learn about the process by which various forms of scientific information and literature are created and distributed. Students also learn to compose a research inquiry, refine the scope of the question, and create an advanced research strategy for finding relevant scholarly articles in science databases. In addition, students learn how ethical, legal, and socioeconomic factors influence scientific information production and dissemination. Lastly, students will become proficient in the use of the American Medical Association (AMA) citation style and citation management software.This class is recommended for any science major or minor or Pre-Health or Pre-Allied Health student, especially any who may not have an extensive research background. P—Major or minor in science discipline or POI.

LIB230: Business & Accounting Research Sources & Strategies

In this half-semester course students will develop a conceptual understanding of and practical expertise in the use of business information resources. Using class discussion, in-class exercises and other assignments, students will learn how to research companies, industries and markets. Students will learn to use subscription-based databases as well as government websites and free internet resources to find information in various formats, including articles, financial and statistical data, and reports. Students will benefit from this class by learning business research skills that will help them to:

1. Conduct better research for assignments in other classes.
2. Prepare more thoroughly for job interviews.
3. Perform more effectively in the workplace.

LIB235: Research Methods for Entrepreneurs

LIB235 Research Methods for Entrepreneurs will prepare students to write important sections of a business plan. Students will learn how to locate and use library databases and other resources to research an industry, a company and a consumer market.

These skills will be useful to students for:

• Writing a business plan
• Preparing for an interview
• Investigating a competitor or supplier

LIB260: History of the Book, 1400-2000

LIB 260 introduces students to issues in the history of material texts in the West, from early modern manuscript culture through the beginnings of the digital age. Using materials from ZSR Library’s Rare Books Collection, students study books as material artifacts, as vehicles for text, and as social constructs. Class assignments may include research projects, brief response essays, and descriptive bibliographies, in addition to hands-on typesetting, printing, and bookbinding projects. Note: this class meets once weekly for the entire semester.

LIB290: Archives and Primary Sources

Lib290 is intended as an introduction to using archives for primary source research in history, humanities, and the other liberal arts. The course will focus on building and practicing basic skills for conducting research in archives and primary source repositories. Students will explore primary sources such as diaries, letters, newspaper articles, photographs, government documents, and first-hand accounts and secondary materials such as books and articles. Students will learn how to navigate document discovery tools, including finding aids and digital collections, at both ZSR Library and other repositories.

LIB290: Algorithms and Information

Algorithms impact almost every piece of information we encounter online. From library search results, to social media feeds, to what streaming services suggest for you – algorithms are everywhere. But they also have a dark side – mis/disinformation, online radicalization, and algorithmic bias are all part of the information ecosystem produced by algorithms. This class will look in-depth at the variety of ways algorithms impact our information landscape, and provide real-world ways to avoid the bad and harness the good.

LIB290: Research and Creative Practice

In this course, students will explore themes, practices and contexts of artistic inquiry within the frame of research and library exploration. Using diverse research practices, and a variety of library sources and online content, students will learn how to use the library to aid in the creative process. Course topics include the information‐related behaviors of emerging artists and designers, using the library as a source of inspiration and guidance, copyright and intellectual property for content creators, resources to aid in marketing and career guidance, engagement with local artist communities, and more. Whether you have an artistic practice or long to be more creative, this course will help you navigate a variety of information sources and build your research skills as emerging artists and creative professionals.