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 online handouts, the CLICS tutorial modules or other 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
The workshops are open to all students, faculty & staff. They are designed to teach research-related skills, with an emphasis on hands-on experience. No experience is necessary. All workshops are in the Library's LISC Lab. For more information, see the workshop flyer, or ask at the Reference Desk 510-235-7800 x4450.
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Feb. 4, 2013 (Mon.) 2 - 3pm
MOBILE RESEARCH APPS (Geringer)
Many of the Library's subscription databases & other resources offer apps for use with mobile devices. Come learn how to access/download and use them.
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Feb. 11, 2013 (Mon.) 2 - 3pm
MICROSOFT WORD BASICS (Geringer)
Get some quick tips, including how to use bullets or number lists, insert images, and how to format a research paper or other document.
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Feb. 13, 2013 (Wed.) 3 - 4:30pm
PRIMARY SOURCES FOR HISTORY PROJECTS (Kuo)
Databases Primary documents are a valuable source of information about historical events, people, and achievements. Learn how to use a selection of online repositories of American history resources.
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Feb. 19, 2013 (Tues.) 3:30 - 5pm
SEARCHING ONLINE DATABASES (Kuo)
Databases provide reliable resources (journal, magazine & newspaper articles). Learn the strengths & tips for searching Academic Search Premier, Ethnic Newswatch, Proquest, & others, and how to access them from campus and from home.
- Feb. 26, 2013 (Tues.) 12:30 - 2pm
AVOID PLAGIARISM WITH NOODLETOOLS (Flum)
Learn how to prevent accidental plagiarism with NoodleTools by staying organized. Challenged by keeping track of your resources and notes? Not sure if your citations are in correct format? NoodleTools – an online citation & note card system – can help!
- March 4, 2013 (Mon.) 5 - 6:30pm
INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT (Geringer)
Come learn the basics of creating a PowerPoint presentation: creating & editing slides, inserting images and YouTube video, printing handouts, and saving to a thumb drive.
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March 7, 2013 (Thurs.) 2 - 3:30pm
PRIMARY SOURCES FOR HISTORY PROJECTS (Geringer)
Databases Primary documents are a valuable source of information about historical events, people, and achievements. Learn how to use a selection of online repositories of American history resources.
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March 13, 2013 (Wed.) 12 - 1:30pm
AVOID PLAGIARISM WITH NOODLETOOLS (Flum)
Learn how to prevent accidental plagiarism with NoodleTools by staying organized. Challenged by keeping track of your resources and notes? Not sure if your citations are in correct format? NoodleTools – an online citation & note card system – can help!
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March 27 2013 (Wed.) 3 - 4:30pm
IMPROVE YOUR WEB SEARCH SKILLS (Kuo)
Frustrated by results that are not useful? Learn the differences among search engines, how to use them effectively, the benefits of subject guides, and how to evaluate sites for credibility.
- April 2, 2013 (Tues.) 4 - 5:15pm
SEARCHING ONLINE DATABASES (Kuo)
Databases provide reliable resources (journal, magazine & newspaper articles). Learn the strengths & tips for searching Academic Search Premier, Ethnic Newswatch, Proquest, & others, and how to access them from campus and from home.
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April 10, 2013 (Wed.) 4 - 5:30pm
IMPROVE YOUR WEB SEARCHING SKILLS (Kuo)
Frustrated by results that are not useful? Learn the differences among search engines, how to use them effectively, the benefits of subject guides, and how to evaluate sites for credibility.
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April 16, 2013 (Tues.) 12:30 - 2pm
AVOID PLAGIARISM WITH NOODLETOOLS (Flum)
Learn how to prevent accidental plagiarism with NoodleTools by staying organized. Challenged by keeping track of your resources and notes? Not sure if your citations are in correct format? NoodleTools – an online citation & note card system – can help!
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April 23, 2013 (Tues.) 4:30 - 6pm
INTRODUCTION TO POWERPOINT (Geringer)
Come learn the basics of creating a PowerPoint presentation: creating & editing slides, inserting images and YouTube video, printing handouts, and saving to a thumb drive.
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.
- Feb. 5, 2013 (Tuesday): 2-5:30pm in LLRC-107 (library lab)
- Feb. 25, 2013 (Monday): 2-5:30pm in LLRC-107 (library lab)
- Mar. 11, 2013 (Monday): 2-5:30pm in LLRC-107 (library lab)
- Apr. 9, 2013 (Tuesday): 2-5:30pm in LLRC-107 (library lab)
SIGN UP to take the challenge exam at least ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE either with the librarian on duty at the Reference Desk 510-235-7800 x4450.
PREPARE for the challenge exam by reviewing the CLICS tutorial modules.
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.
LIBRARY ORIENTATION LECTURES
Faculty members may schedule a general or special-topic library orientation lecture for their classes. The standard "Introduction to Library Resources" (ILR) covers the basic information resources -- the online catalog, periodical databases, and internet searching. If class is longer than 50 minutes, it allows for hands-on time for the students to practice new skills and/or work on an in-class assignment. The content and length of an ILR can be tailore to meet an instructor's specific needs. Instructors are expected to stay with their students throughout the library session.
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.
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. Creating 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. See also the Handouts & Guides page.
- BIBLIOGRAPHIC CITATION FOR AN E-BOOK on a device like a Kindle, Nook or iPad:
- CLICS
- 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.
- Database Tutorials
- IN-TEXT CITATIONS:
- Information Literacy
- Library of Congress Call Number Order - Can you put a list of library call numbers in correct shelf order?
- Match the Reference Source - Match the picture of a reference source with an information need.
- Name That Resource! - Match the name of the information resource with its content.
- NoodleTools provides interactive tools to help design your online research. Some tools are by subscription only, but others are free, such as NoodleLinks, Quick Cite(generates a single MLA- or APA-style bibliographic citation), and NoodleQuest (develops a web-based search strategy). If you just want the free tools, use this Free Tools Only Noodle Tools link.
- PLAGIARISM (Avoiding It) Tutorials:
- PRIMARY SOURCES:
- TOPIC SELECTION:
- WEBSITES - Evaluating and Finding Credible Sites: