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Library Tour

Jump to: Free Workshops | Handouts & Guides | Information Competency Challenge Exam | Library Orientations | Library Skills Courses | NoodleTools | Online Tutorials

Take the Online Library Tour for an introduction to the CCC Library and its services. Patrons who wish to improve their library research skills may attend a free workshop, enroll in a degree-credit course, and/or make use of available instructional handouts and online tutorials.

A librarian is on duty each hour that the Library is open to help students, faculty and staff use the Library effectively and find the information they need.  Librarians have expertise in research techniques, database searching and information sources; consult them when you need help. Some question may be answered over the phone; others may require in-person assistance.  510-235-7800 x4450.

FREE WORKSHOPS

Jumpstart Your Online Research is a series of free workshops designed to teach research-related skills and some teacher-requested technology skills, with an emphasis on hands-on experience. Students may attend one or all of  the sessions. They are recommended for anyone wanting to tune-up his/her skills. No experience is necessary. All workshops are in the Library's LISC Lab.

Feb. 17, 2010 (Wed.) 12 - 1pm Introduction to PowerPoint
Sept. 19, 2010 (Fri.) 2 - 4pm Computer Comfort for Beginners: Using the Library Website
Feb. 22, 2010 (Mon.) 5 - 6:30pm NoodleTools: Solve Your Bibliography & Notecards Problems
Feb. 24, 2010 (Wed.) 1 - 2pm WORD 2007 (including Formatting Term Papers)
Mar. 8, 2010 (Mon.) 5 - 6:30pm Introduction to PowerPoint
Mar. 11, 2010 (Thurs.) 12 -  1:30pm Searching Online Databases
Mar. 17, 2010 (Wed.) 1 - 2:30pm NoodleTools: Solve Your Bibliography & Notecards ProblemsUsing
Mar. 18, 2010 (Thurs.) 12 - 1:30pm Improve Your Web Searching Skills
Mar. 23, 2010 (Tues.) 5 - 6:30pm Searching Online Databases
Mar. 24, 2010 (Wed.) 12 - 1:30pm Improve Your Web Searching Skills

For additional information, ask at the Reference Desk at 510-235-7800 x4450.

INFORMATION COMPETENCY CHALLENGE EXAM

Students who started at CCC in Fall 2006 or later (or who are returning after more than a year) must meet the Information Competency graduation requirement to receive an AA or AS degree. To meet this requirement, a student must successfully complete LIBST 110a or the first unit of LIBST 110; or successfully complete a challenge exam with a grade of C or higher (challenge exam may be taken ONCE only); or have earned an Information Competency Certificate while enrolled in English 142B between Fall 2006 and Spring 2008.

EXAM DATES are posted at the Library Reference Desk and on available flyers. You may also check dates by contacting the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk 510-235-7800 x4450.
SIGN UP to take the challenge exam at least 24 hours in advance either with the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk 510-235-7800 x4450.
PREPARE for the challenge exam by reviewing the online CLICS Tutorial chapters.
LIBRARY SKILLS COURSES

The Library Studies Department offers degree-credit instruction that introduces students to basic information sources, and how to use them effectively. Students may enroll in offered courses during regular registration or by obtaining an add code (when space is available) from the instructor or the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk. 

bulletLIBST 110:  Library Resources, Organization and Use
This self-paced performance-based course introduces students to information resources, how to find them, and how to use them with ease.  Students may earn 1 - 3 units of credit, depending on the number of lesson modules and tests completed. This transferable course is offered fall and spring semesters. It fulfills the Information Competency graduation requirement. 
    
bulletLIBST 110A:  Finding Information in the Library
This is a one unit version of LIBST 110, covering the first workbook only. This short-term course is transferable. It fulfills the Information Competency graduation requirement. It is usually taught in an online format with one or two required class meetings.
    
LIBRARY ORIENTATION LECTURES

Faculty members may schedule a general or special-topic library orientation lecture for their classes.

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A standard "Introduction to Library Resources" (ILR) is a 50-minute lecture and demonstration of basic information resources -- the online catalog, online periodical databases, and the Internet. (A longer class session allows hands-on time for students to practice new skills and/or do an in-class assignment or quiz.)  The content and length of an ILR can be tailored to meet an instructor's specific needs.
    

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To schedule an ILR, call or stop by the Reference Desk. Please allow at least a week's lead time for preparation. 510-235-7800 x4450
    

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The librarian can provide a follow-up Library Assignment that will give students practice in using the resources discussed. The librarian giving the ILR will grade the assignments and return them to the instructor. Re-do's of incomplete assignments and/or incorrect answers give students additional chances to learn the necessary skills, but acceptance of the re-do's is the instructor's choice.

Faculty members sometimes devise their own library skill assignments. A well-designed course-related library assignment can be an effective way to introduce students to library research. To assure that students have a positive library experience, such assignment should be clearly defined and use sources that are readily available to students. This is as true for a homework assignment to locate a specific title or item of information as it is for a specially-created library skills worksheet. Guidelines for Effective Library Assignments is a checklist of do's and don'ts. Please consult a reference librarian for additional assistance.

ONLINE TUTORIALS  

Use the following free tutorials if you would like to improve your library and information competency skills by working through them on your own.

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CLICS Tutorial - CLICS consists of 10 online lessons designed to help improve skills at finding, evaluating, and using information of all kinds. The lessons are available to all. Students who are enrolled in one of the courses that fulfills the Information Competency graduation requirement will need to sign into their WebCT class page in order to take the chapter quizzes.
    

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Credible Sources Count! - Learn more about evaluating web sources by taking this tutorial from Acadia University.
   

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Database Tutorial: CINAHL Plus with Full Text: In-Depth Review (PowerPoint)
http://support.ebsco.com/uploads/CustSupport/UserDocumentation/EN_CINAHL_plus_FT_Tut.ppt
    

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Library Locations - Test your knowledge of where different types of items are shelved in the CCC Library. Currently unavailable for updating
    

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Library of Congress Call Number Order - Can you put a list of library call numbers in correct shelf order?
    

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Match the Reference Source - Match the picture of a reference source with an information need.
    

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Name That Resource! - Match the name of the information resource with its content.
    

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NoodleTools is a set of interactive tools that can help design your online research. Some tools are by subscription only, but others are free: NoodleLinks, Quick Cite (generates an MLA- or APA-style bibliographic citation), NoodleQuest (develops a web-based search strategy), and Choose a Search Engine (based on your specific information needs). Use this NoodleTools link for remote access.
       

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Searching the Online Catalog - Test your knowledge of how to use the online catalog.
    

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Show-Me-How! Tutorial:  Searching the OPAC
    

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You Quote It, You Note It! - Learn how to avoid plagiarism by taking this tutorial from Acadia University.

Last updated 02 February 2010

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