Classes Online
The Learning Resources Center at PAC began a new program in the Spring 2002 semester, called the INFORMATION RESEARCH CERTIFICATE, which serves as a tool for helping students do research and also serves as an additional method for faculty to encourage their students to stay enrolled and excel in their courses.
All LRC classes are fifty minutes long, free, and are held in Ozuna 200 in the LRC. Students completing the following 7 classes--in any order--receive an Information Research Certificate and Continuing Education credit on their transcript.
I. INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION RESEARCH - virtual tour, introduction to basic research strategy, how to locate call numbers, list of basic LRC resources.
II. ONLINE CATALOG AND E-BOOKS - a complete exploration of the online catalog and how to use it. Includes extensive practice in the use of E-books.
III. ELECTRONIC DATABASE RESEARCH - how to search and how to use periodical and newspaper databases and full-text databases available to our students (ProQuest, NewsBank, Express News, EBSCO, Gale).
IV. INTERNET RESEARCH - basics of how to search for information on the Web, types of search engines and how to use. Hands-on practice examples. How to move material from the Web to your notes and paper. How to avoid plagiarism.
V. EVALUATING INFORMATION - separating good from bad information, evaluating web site quality, spotting bogus information.
(Faculty members may request a subject-specific class to substitute for this last item. A customized subject-specific class would have to be scheduled separately.)
VI. MLA STYLE TO DOCUMENT PAPERS - Emphasis is on the latest MLA Handbook. Hands-on practice examples.
VII. APA STLYE TO DOCUMENT PAPERS -- Full explanation of the style. Hands-on practice examples.
We offer each class at a variety of times so students can attend at their convenience (so you don't have to use valuable classroom time). Proof of attendance slips are provided for each student at each class.
You MUST reserve a seat in each class. Visit the first floor reference desk or call 921-5087 to be placed on the roll for each class.
The Information Research Certificate is an ideal "extra credit" project for students, or to serve as an alternative assignment, required assignment, or a make-up for a missed class. Today's college library is a complex environment with traditional print resources and cutting-edge technological tools. Students need more than one instructional session to feel comfortable in this setting.
A schedule of our current Information Research Certificate Classes is available at the reference desk on the first floor. If we can be of further assistance, or if you have any questions, please call Colby Glass at 921-5069 or the Reference Desk at 921-5087, or stop by the Library Reference Desk and talk to a librarian.
Cordially,
PAC Library Faculty
UPDATE: In the Fall semester, 2003, the Information Research Certificate was approved for Continuing Education credit with the addition of free labs. The PAC administration waived tuition for these CE classes so that all students could afford to attend them.
UPDATE: In Fall, 2005, a second series of courses, called IRC II, was begun. These were for students who had taken the IRC and wished to take additional classes in specific areas, such as the sciences, government documents, etc.
UPDATE: In the Fall of 2007, ten ENGLISH 1301 classes will require the certificate as a part of their syllabus for students.
