Course Description

This course is an introduction to business information resources and research including the evolution of information, trends and issues in using resources such as catalogs and subscription databases.  Students learn to construct effective search strategies, to find and retrieve information, critically evaluate resources and use web sites for research.

Course Objectives

• To understand the role of librarians and libraries.
• To increase knowledge about standard sources for business information.
• To increase skills in conducting business research.
• To gain proficiency in seeking information via electronic subscription databases and library catalogs.
• To recognize the difference between the World Wide Web, library catalogs, and subscription databases available via the Internet.
• To gain proficiency in seeking information via the World Wide Web.
• To critically evaluate information.

Course Requirements
There is no required textbook for this class. Assigned readings will be available through the course blog and course reserves.

Course blog: http://lib104.wordpress.com

Contacting the instructor and office hours:

The best way to reach me is by email (kaylorj@ uncw.edu). I will usually respond to your email within 24 hours, often sooner. My office hours are Tuesdays 3-4, Thursdays 1-2 and by appointment. I do not keep extensive office hours because I am at the library Reference Desk alternate Wednesdays 7-9 and Mondays 3-7. Feel free to visit me at the Reference Desk for help with this class or with any other research. You may also stop by my office (Randall Library 2079), schedule an appointment with me, or IM me. See my contact information above.

Classroom Etiquette and Expectations

• You are required to attend class. The majority of teaching and learning happens in the classroom. If you do not attend class, you cannot participate and you miss important information. Missing more than 3 classes will result in your final grade being lowered a letter grade for each additional absence.
• Please come to class on time. Class will not be restarted for late arrivals. Two tardies = 1 class absence. The third time you are late for class you will be required to give a 5 minute talk on any subject I choose (topics will come from material we have covered in class.)
• You are responsible for any material you miss in class. You will need to consult classmates for missed materials.
• Missed tests can only be "made up" under two circumstances: 1) if you know prior to the test date that you will be forced to miss the exam, you may schedule an appointment with your instructor to take the test PRIOR to the test date. 2) If you have a family emergency or serious illness on the day of an exam, you must contact your instructor at least two hours prior to the test time to make arrangements to take the test.
• You are expected to actively participate in each class session. This includes active listening, participating in class discussions and activities, and respecting your instructor and classmates. Should you fail to meet these expectations you will be asked to leave class and will be considered absent. Credit will not be given for assignments if you are asked to leave class.
• Due dates for assignments are firm . Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date due. Those assignments received during, or after class, will be considered one day late. You will lose 10% of the total points for the assignment for each day late.
• Please put your cell phone on silent mode and only answer if absolutely necessary. You are expected to leave the classroom if you must take a call. Do not check or send text messages during class. If you text during class you will be asked to leave and will be counted as absent.
• Drinks are allowed but please keep containers covered and noise to a minimum. Food is not allowed in class unless medically necessary (diabetes, hypoglycemia, etc.).
• Please inform your instructor of any disabilities and/or any required accommodations before the end of the first week of class.

The University of North Carolina at Wilmington Academic Honor Code

“No form of dishonesty among faculty or students will be tolerated...Academic dishonesty takes many forms, from blatant cheating, stealing, or similar misdeeds to the more subtle forms of plagiarism...” UNCW University Catalog and Student Handbook and Code of Student Life.

Academic Integrity Statement

Each student is expected to complete all of her/his own work. Claiming someone else’s work as your own (plagiarism) is a violation of academic integrity. It is acceptable to use someone else's exact words in your writing, but when you do so you must follow the correct rules of quoting and citing. (See the MLA manual for more information). Any evidence of plagiarism will result in an academic review that could result in a failing grade for the assignment or the course.

Grading

Assignment and Grade Details :

Worksheets/Quizzes: To be great a great researcher you need practice. You will complete a series of worksheets both as homework and in class. Additionally, you will have quizzes at different times through the semester. These assignments are 20% of your grade.

News Reports: Throughout the semester you will monitor the selected news sources for stories relating to libraries, the Internet, or information technology as they relate to business information. You will post to your blog a response to a total of three reports over the semester. Give all available citation information for your news source (website address, name of publication, title, date, etc.), a brief summary of the story, your reaction or opinion about the story and why you selected it (why you think it is relevant to our class.) There is a minimum requirement of 250 words for each posting. This assignment is worth 6% of your final grade. Each news story is worth 2 points (2% each). We will discuss these news items during the semester and you should be prepared to discuss your chosen news stories in class. More information will be given in class about this assignment.

News Responses: In addition to writing your own news reports you will write two responses to reports made by your classmates. You will post these responses on your own blog. The minimum word requirement for these responses is 100 words. Give all available information about the article and include a link to the original response on your classmate’s blog. Each response is worth 2 points (2% each).

Article Review: This semester you will complete an article review. You will be given a list of topics from which you will make a selection and search the library subscription databases for a relevant article. The article you select must be at least six pages and come from a journal or trade publication. The article must be published in 2008 or later. You will write an analysis at least a two pages in length for your article. More information will be provided in class. This assignment is 10% of your grade.

Database Presentation: Your team will give a 20 minute presentation on two assigned subscription databases. You will also create a handout for each database. More details will be given in class. This assignment is worth 12% of your grade.

Collection Presentation: Your team will give a ten minute presentation on one of the library’s collections and how the resources relate to business information research. Details will be provided in class. This assignment is 10% of your grade.

Annotated Bibliography: For your final project you will create an annotated bibliography of 20 resources on a chosen topic. You will choose your topic from a list that will be provided by your instructor. Details will be given in class. This assignment is worth 13% of your grade.

Extra Credit :  Each extra credit is worth 2 points. You may do any 3 for a total of 6 points.

• Attend any library sponsored event (e.g. library workshop, film night, lecture, etc.) and write a one page response. You must obtain proof of your attendance. Events are listed on the right side of the library homepage.
• Attend any Cameron School sponsored event (e.g. lecture, workshop, presentation, etc.) and write a one page response. You must obtain proof of your attendance.
• Write a 2-page review of a scholarly article concerning business information and libraries. The article must have been published no earlier than 2005. Please include the full citation for the article. If it does not come from Randall Library (if you use ILL or another library) please submit a copy of the article with your review. If I am not able to read the article, credit will not be given.
• Evaluate a business library webpage by writing a 2 page report about the features of the website, ease of use, etc. Check with your instructor for acceptable websites.
• Visit any public library. Ask about the resources they have for small businesses or entrepreneurs and write a 2 page report about your visit. Discuss the resources available and services offered and discuss the ways the library serves local businesses.

Page last updated by B. Kaylor, September 7, 2010