Finding and Using Information

Course goals - Students will

• Explore and develop competence in reference service to individuals and groups
• Provide references and bibliographic service to a specific individual
• Develop the skills to evaluate the quality of reference service and the resources, policies and procedures that underlie it
• Demonstrate skill in associated information search, knowledge management and communication technologies

Course Competencies

1. Understands the research and innovation process and models the question development and problem solving principles and procedures that enhance the information seeking process
2. Responds to and sustains spontaneous and curricular information needs, using listening, open questioning and other techniques to respond to information requests in a manner that encourages further inquiry
3. Knows types of information; understands the difference among information sources and formats, their quality, and their utility for particular purposes and audiences
4. Develops and models the proficient use of a repertoire of information problem solving skills, tools and strategies, including a wide range of search strategies and information tools and formats
5. Identifies the structure of expertise and information in a discipline or area of study and outlines the shape, resources, tools and strategies of its information community
6. Understands and applies the informal and formal indexing strategies and structures used to organize and maintain bibliographic records, reference tools, databases, and a personal knowledge base
7. Monitors, assesses and employs existing and emerging technologies for information access, organization, processing, use, and dissemination, and makes appropriate use of interrelationships among all types of libraries and information agencies.
8. Develops custom information environments to support specific user needs and purposes, recognizing and addressing contributions from multiple cultures, as well as potential sources of bias, and obstacles to access
9. Understands and sustains the role of libraries in a democratic society by ensuring free and equitable access to information for all community members, regardless of ability level or background, respecting intellectual property and maintaining confidentiality and information security as legal rights