Information Literacy Workshops
The contemporary environment we are in is of rapid technological change and proliferating information resources. Because of the escalating complexity of this environment, individuals are faced with diverse, abundant information choices--in their academic studies, in the workplace, and in their personal lives. The uncertain quality and expanding quantity of information pose large challenges for society. The sheer abundance of information will not in itself make you a more informed individual without a complementary cluster of abilities necessary to use information effectively.
So ask yourself one question ¡°Can I recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information?¡± If your answer is NO, don¡¯t worry. Here in LRC, you will find a shortcut way to get these important abilities which will help you to stand confidently in an information age.
LRC is offering a series of workshops in aim to make you information literate. We encourage the teaching staff to schedule workshops for specific courses. Bookings can be made at the Reference Desk at LRC, by phone at 3620317, or by email to joycehu@uic.edu.hk The topics include
1. General Research Guide
Select a topic.
Brainstorm search terms.
Find background information about your topic in an Encyclopedia.
Find a book to broaden your knowledge on the topic.
Get more focused information from a periodical article.
Find recent developments about your topic in websites.
Cite your sources.
2. Understanding LRC Resources
Locate a variety of information resources on the LRC homepage.
Determine the location of LRC resources & service points
Distinguish a book and a journal citation
Differentiate author, title, subject and keyword search options in the LRC catalogue
Locate LRC materials shown in the LRC catalogue
Recognize information available in "My Account".
3. How to search the internet
Understand the Internet and search engines
Locate web resources via appropriate method
Identify the evaluation criteria of free Web resources
Search for free academic web resources
4. Searching in Bibliographic Database
Recognize the difference between searching an online database and the LRC catalogue.
Identify relevant subject databases
Locate articles on a board topic using a multidisciplinary database
- Identify key concepts
- List related keywords or alternative words
- Modify the search by expanding or narrowing the focus of the research as needed
Interpret the database search results
Use database features to print / email / save articles
Determine local availability of cited items