Information Retrieval on the Internet

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LIS 103: Information Retrieval on the Internet

Instructor: Suzie Wood, Librarian

Email: wood_suzie@sac.edu

General Course Information

Course Description

During this course, you will learn how to find answers to research and reference questions. We will discuss several different types of information resources—directories, virtual libraries, search engines, the invisible web, and specialized databases. The main topics are formulating search strategies, understanding how to form search expressions, evaluating information, and citing resources. You will come to understand that for every research question you ask, you will need to go through a process to create the most appropriate search strategy. You’ll see that this search formation process guarantees a more precise result and is applicable to any search engine or database.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to do the following—

Identify the components of a Web browser in order to navigate the Web
Explain the difference between the Internet and World Wide Web
Analyze a URL (uniform resource locator)
Navigate and search the Internet proficiently using search engines and subject directories
Develop systematic methods of Internet and library research
Analyze and critically evaluate information
Cite Web resources in a standard documentation style
Be aware of the social, ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of the Internet and the World Wide Web

Course Organization

The course is divided into 8 modules. Each module corresponds to one week (two classroom hours) in the college semester. The modules are, as follows:

Introduction to the Internet
Basic Searching
Library Databases
A Researcher’s Toolkit—When Google doesn’t work
The Invisible Web—Specialized Databases
Web Evaluation
Citing Web and Internet Sources
Privacy and Security

Course Requirements

The online nature of this course requires your active participation. The online environment will differ from the traditional on-site classroom environment. This course, by combining technology and innovative activities, offers you an exciting and challenging learning opportunity. During the weeks that we meet online, you will interact with your instructor and other students via an online asynchronous discussion forum and e-mail. Interaction with your classmates is of paramount importance. You are requested to be in touch with your fellow classmates at least once per module, respond to their e-mail, and offer them feedback.

You will use the Internet to visit various websites throughout the duration of this course. These links are checked regularly, but since the Web is dynamic and volatile, you may occasionally encounter a “dead” or inactive link. When this happens, please report the link to me and I will update it.

The online class environment emphasizes student learning. Self-motivation and an ease with online technology will greatly contribute to your success in this course.

Course Components

Participation on the Discussion Forum
Sending email and reading email
Reading class announcements
Engaging in self-assessment practices
Submitting graded assignments

Attendance

To receive course credit, you must log on AND participate at least once a week. To simply log on and post your responses to the discussion questions is not considered attendance. You must also participate extensively while logged on.

Tests and Quizzes

There will be 3 quizzes and a final project.

Text Book

Mastering Online Research, by Maura D. Shaw. 2007. Publisher: Writer’s Digest Books.

ISBN: 1-58297-458-6 or 978-1-58297-458-3. An edition will be on reserve at SAC Library to be used in the library.

Grading

Grading is based upon the completion of assignments and postings on the discussion forum. Each week, you will be asked to e-mail a completed assignment to the instructor and to post a message on the discussion board.

A

90 --100%

B

80 -- 89%

C

70 -- 79%

D

60 -- 69%

F

Below 59%

Academic Honesty

As a reminder, Santa Ana College has a policy on academic honesty. You are expected to abide by the procedures set forth in the document. (See the Course Catalog, page 28, for the actual policy. http://www.sac.edu/schedule/)