Library 201

Library 201
Syllabus

Class
Library 201
Spring, 2008

Instructor
Brian Clark/MLS-MIS
Office: Cataloging/2nd Floor/Room 245
Office phone: (309) 298-2785 Ext. 2 (on campus, x8-2785 Ext. 2)
Email: BF-Clark@wiu.edu

Reference hours
Monday, 6:00 – 9:00
Wednesday, 12:00 – 3:00
Thursday, 4:00 – 6:00

Office hours
Monday, 8:30 - 9:30
Tuesday 8:30 - 9:30
Wednesday 8:30 - 9:30
Friday 8:30 - 9:30

Course Description
Independent study and Laboratory experiences combined with class lectures provide both an introduction to all libraries in general as well as research skills needed to use the WIU Library in particular.

Class Procedures
This class meets both as lectures and laboratory sessions. Each unit includes a laboratory sheet(s) which can earn +5 (in addition to the test grade), if approved by the instructor. Laboratory sheets must be turned in promptly by the end of the class on the dates given by the instructor.

Attendance
Attendance at all tests on scheduled dates is required. Only a physician’s written excuse or prior approval by the instructor will change this policy. Attendance will be taken on all lecture days. Those with perfect attendance for an entire section will be given five bonus points to be added to their test score. Those who miss three or more days per section will lose ten points off their test score.

Makeup Tests
In the unlikely event that you miss test one or test two, you MUST make up the test before the next exam!

Work Sheets
Lab work sheets are not required but those who complete all worksheets for a section will be given five bonus points.

Bonus Points
Bonus Points will be given for class participation.

Bibliography
A brief bibliography of ten sources is required to handed in for each test. The first ten sources should come from our library catalog. The second ten sources should come from one of the databases or government documents we cover in class. The third ten sources should come from one of the newspaper databases we cover in class. You may use any style you choose: APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc. You are encouraged (but not required) to use RefWorks to put your bibliography together. I will teach you how to use RefWorks in class. You will not be graded on presentation or style, as this is not an English class. The purpose of this exercise is for you to actually use the library catalog, databases, etc. to look up information on a topic of your own choosing. Each bibliography is worth 10 points.

Exams
There are three exams. The third exam is given during finals week, but it is not a final and not comprehensive. Each section stands alone, although we will continue to build on what is learned in each section. Each exam is worth 100 points

Grading
For example, you have perfect attendance (5 points), complete all work sheets (5 points), hand in your bibliography (10 points), but only score 75 on the test. Your grade will be changed to a 95 for that section. However, 110 points is the highest number of points allowed per section. For example, if you have perfect attendance (5 points), complete all work sheets (5 points), hand in your bibliography (10 points) and score a 92 on the test, your score will be changed to 110 NOT 112. There are three sections, each worth 110 points, and each section stands alone.

Grading Scale
300-330 = A
270-299 = B
240-269 = C
210-239 = D
0-209 = F

Extra Credit
: Extra credit worth up to 10 points may be earned per section (X3) by writing a 3 to 5 page paper on a library related topic selected by the instructor and the student. The paper must include three references, only one may be an internet source. The other two must come from our online databases. All papers must be handed in before the third exam!!!

Cell Phones
If you feel compelled to answer your cell phone please leave the classroom.

Email/Chat/Surfing
Please check your email, chat, surf the Web before or after class NOT during class. The computers are to be used to complete your worksheets or to find answers during the tests.

Schedule
To Class Schedule

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