Learn to Research

Current courses offerings may be viewed in the Current Credit Class Schedule.

LIBR 101: College Research Skills introduces students to the nature of research and the library's role in research. It emphasizes the development of information competency skills (the ability to find, evaluate, and organize information) for papers, presentations, and other research assignments. Students learn about a variety of information resources, including print, electronic databases, and the World Wide Web. This one-unit course is transferable to UC & CSU. 

LIBR 101 Student Learning Outcomes (As of Fall 2016 semester)

1. Student will select appropriate tools for finding specific types of information resources.
2. Student will evaluate information by assessing authority, accuracy, currency, and point of view.
3. Student will identify and select keywords and search terms that represent information need or research question.

LIBR 201: Media & Information Literacy.This course examines the exponential growth of online information and the resulting complex digital media landscape faced by students in the 21st century. Students explore the psychological, social, and physiological impact of online media engagement, while developing essential information literacy skills that are relevant to current academic endeavors and to their future as informed citizens and lifelong learners. Through multiple online platforms and advanced online search strategies, students learn to locate, evaluate, and communicate information responsibly and ethically. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for LIBR 201 or LIBR 201H.

LIBR 201 Student Learning Outcomes (As of Fall 2019 semester)

1. Given a specific research topic, the student will develop and execute an effective research strategy utilizing advanced search techniques.

2. Student will critically evaluate the credibility and quality of an information source by applying a prescribed set of criteria.

3. The student will identify citation elements in a variety of information sources and consistently apply a citation style in referencing information.

4. The student will compare and contrast characteristics of popular and scholarly information sources.

LIBR 201H: Media & Information Literacy (Honors).This honors course gives highly motivated students the opportunity to explore the complex digital media and information landscape, and it teaches students critical research skills necessary for scholarly inquiry. Students explore the psychological, social, and physiological impact of online media engagement, while developing essential information literacy skills that are relevant to current academic endeavors and to their future as informed citizens and lifelong learners. Students employ multiple online platforms and advanced search strategies to navigate, assess, and communicate information from diverse sources and formats. The course emphasizes critically evaluating and analyzing appropriate sources as well as responsible and ethical uses of information. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for LIBR 201 or LIBR 201H.. Full course outline.

LIBR 201H Student Learning Outcomes (As of Fall 2016 semester)

1. Given a specific research topic, the student will develop and execute an effective research strategy utilizing advanced search techniques.​
2. Student will critically evaluate the credibility and quality of an information source by applying a prescribed set of criteria.
3. The student will identify citation elements in a variety of information sources and consistently apply a citation style in referencing information.
4. The student will compare and contrast characteristics of popular and scholarly information sources.

For current Library course offerings view the Current Credit Class Schedule.