BILT

Objectives

Module 1: Starting Smart

This module covers types of information sources you can use for your topic. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • identify a variety of information sources
  • identify characteristics of information on the Web
  • identify characteristics of library resources

Module 2: Choosing a Topic

This module covers topic selection and how to identify keywords to search your topic. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • broaden or narrow a topic
  • identify keywords for a topic
  • understand why we search for keywords rather than long phrases or sentences
  • understand the difference between keyword and field searching

Module 3: Searching for Information

This module covers how to search for information using a variety of tools. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • search using keywords, titles, author names or subject headings
  • identify which tools will search for books, articles or websites on a given topic
  • identify the difference between the Catalog, Databases, Search Engines and Bibliographies
  • use search tricks to make your searching more effective

Module 4: Finding Information Online and in the Library

This module covers how to find materials in the Samford University Libraries and beyond using a variety of tools and services. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • find a wide variety of materials including books, scholarly articles, statistics and criticism in both and print and electronic formats
  • identify which tools will find which type of information
  • identify which pieces of information you need to locate the material you want
  • locate materials inside and outside the Samford University Libraries

Module 5: Evaluating Sources

This module covers how to evaluate the information that you find when conducting research to ensure that you get the most accurate and pertinent information for your current research. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • understand what evaluating a resource means
  • identify the key elements to look at in any resource
  • know what to look for when using the world wide web

Module 6: Citing Sources

This module covers citing sources, plagiarism, and copyright. After completing this module you should be able to:

  • recognize different parts of a citation
  • describe when to cite sources used in your work
  • list ways to avoid plagiarism
  • understand the reasons for copyright
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