LIB 1201 – Research & Documentation for the Information Age              Section D952

Prof. Tess Tobin

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:30-3:45pm

Classroom: A543 (Library)

Email: ttobin@citytech.cuny.edu

Office Hours: Thursdays 4-5pm or by appointment

Office: A440

Office Phone: 718-260-5499

 Course Website: https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/groups/lib1201resrchdoc-info-age-fa2016/

 Course Description

In this course we will explore issues in research and documentation for text (in print and online), images, sound, and multimedia. You will investigate where information comes from and how it is organized in both traditional and emerging media. We will examine the ethics of information use and determine how to critically evaluate sources. Throughout the course, you will create and present research and documentation projects using traditional and emerging media and technologies. This is a writing-intensive course. You should expect to spend 4-6 hours outside of class time preparing for class each week.

Course Goals

To introduce you to the theory and practice of research and documentation for all information and media, including:

•  Cultural, economic and political factors that affect information and media
• The organization of information in multiple formats
• Developing methods for finding information that is relevant to you
• Critically evaluating information and its sources
• Copyright, fair use, and ethical use of information and media
• The role of documentation and citation in scholarly, professional, and public work 

Learning Outcomes

For the successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• Describe the ways that information is produced and organized in a variety of formats
• Create and articulate a relevant, manageable research topic for your assignments
• Successfully search for and acquire appropriate information about your research topic in a variety of media and formats
• Critically evaluate and select information sources for your assignments and projects
• Use information ethically and responsibly with an awareness of copyright and fair use
• Synthesize information on a topic from a variety of sources and present your analysis in writing and orally
• Collaborate with a group to complete, modify, and document a process online
• Apply documentation methods and citation styles appropriately in your own work

Required Textbook

Badke, W. (2014).Research strategies: Finding your way through the information fog. 5^th Edition. New York: iUniverse, Inc. https://acts.twu.ca/library/textbook.htm

You can also buy it as an eBook (for Nook, Kindle, Kobo and other formats including PDF) for $10 through the author’s website: http://acts.twu.ca/Library/textbook.htm  make sure you get the 5^th edition.

The book is also on reserve in the library: CALL NUMBER: Z710 .B23 2014

Additional materials to read or watch are assigned for each class; see the Course Schedule (below). Most are available online (at no cost to you) in library databases or on the internet; the rest are on reserve in the library. Links to materials available online are posted on the course blog. It is your responsibility to find and read the readings.

Required Technology

Reliable access to the internet and to a computer with word processing software are essential for successful completion of assignments. Up to 20% of your grade is dependent upon regular contributions to the course website. Most readings are available via the course website or as a link on this syllabus. The online documentation project requires your group to develop a web-based resource. All written assignments must be word-processed. Lack of internet access is not an acceptable excuse for late or incomplete assignments.

 All readings and assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date listed below. Please write down and bring at least one question about one of the readings to every class, and come to class prepared to discuss all of the day’s assigned readings.