Instructor Notes for Library Skills Modules

Content of Modules | How the Modules Work | How to Assign the Modules | Logging Into the Modules

Please Read -- Important Login Information !

Introduction

The library skills modules are designed as a way for students to learn basic research and library skills in an online environment allowing them to work independently and at their own pace.

We recommend that English composition instructors consider assigning selected modules to their students depending on the assignments and content of the course. Suggestions are included at the end of each module description below.

What Do the Modules Cover?

The modules cover a broad range of basic skills related to library research and using Kent State’s Libraries. We recommend you try the modules yourself, but the following is a brief outline of the content of each module. They are available at www.library.kent.edu/skills_module

 1. Developing a Search Strategy: Tips and Tricks

• Identifying an appropriate topic.
• Identifying key terms.
• Identifying synonyms for key terms.
• Using Truncation.
• Formulating search statements using Boolean connectors.

Content appropriate for any assignment requiring library research.  Recommended for English 11001, 11011, 21011 or advanced courses.


2. KentLINK Part 1: Searching for Books by Topic

• Searching KentLINK by Keyword
• Reviewing Boolean connectors and truncation
• Identifying and searching by Subjects
• Limiting searches

Recommended for English 11001, 11011.

3. KentLINK Part 2: Finding Books on the Shelf

• Identifying call number, status and location of items in KentLINK
• Using building guide to determine on which floor call numbers are found.
• Reading Library of Congress call numbers and finding books on the shelf.

Recommended for English 11001, 11011.

4. Research Databases Part 1: Searching for Articles by Topic

• Accessing and introducing Academic Search Premier (ASP)
• Searching ASP by keyword
• Limiting ASP searches
• Reviewing Boolean connectors and truncation
• Examining search results

Recommended for English 21011, but depending on assignment may be appropriate for students in English 11011 or second semester of English 11001.

5. Research Databases Part 2: Locating Full Text Journal Articles

• Accessing html and pdf full text in ASP
• Using “Find A Copy” to find full text
• Storing and emailing search results and full text
• Introducing options for Interlibrary Loan

Recommended for English 21011, but depending on assignment may be appropriate for students in English 11011 or second semester of English 11001.

6. Evaluating Information on the Web

• Understanding the special challenges of evaluating information on the web
• Evaluating the appearance of web pages
• Evaluating the currency of information on the web
• Evaluating the authorship of web pages
• Evaluating the accuracy of information on the web

Appropriate for English 11001, 11011, or 21011 depending on assignments.

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How Do the Modules Work?

The library skills modules are Flash-based tutorials.

Students access these modules by going to http://www.library.kent.edu/skill_modules and logging in using their Flashline account information.

The modules are self-paced. It could take students anywhere from five to fifteen minutes to complete one module.

On the last screen of the tutorial students will be asked to click a button to complete the module and receive credit for it.

They will be directed to a form which asks them to indicate thecourse they are enrolled in, what time their class meets, who their instructor is, and what their section number is. Upon completing this form their information is logged to a database file.

The library will then send monthly reports via email to instructors letting them know which students have completed modules.

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How Do I Assign These Modules?

1. Determine which modules you would like your class to complete.
2. Important: let the library know you are assigning modules.This will make the reporting process go more smoothly. Send a message to Tammy Voelker (Liaison Librarian for English) or Ken Burhanna (First Year Experience Librarian) and let them know who you are, what your course and section number is and which modules you are assigning.
3. Assign the modules to your students, making sure to include the titles of the modules you wish them to complete and this URL: http://www.library.kent.edu/skill_modules .
4. Let students know they will need to log in using their Flashline account information and that having their section number on hand will be helpful.
   
   

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Logging into the Modules

Login requires that users enter their Flashline account information (email address and password).

IMPORTANT: In order to successfully log into the library skill modules, users must have successfully synchronized their password at the university's Flashword site .

This step may be required even if the user logs into Flashline all the time.

The university's password synchronization system enables users to log into multiple online services without maintaining multiple online accounts.