Library Studies

Library Studies are for students doing research projects, transferring to a four-year college, or wanting to locate sources of information in a more efficient manner. These classes teach the research process, including location, evaluation, and citation of sources from the library catalog, the library databases, and the web. Students transferring to a four-year college will be expected to have these research skills.

Library Studies Courses

LIBR 1 - Working with Sources

1 unit

Introduction to using sources as supporting documentation in a college level research project. Teaches the skills needed to successfully find, evaluate, use, cite, and document information using library and open web sources. Focus on identifying appropriate sources and proper use of sources. Students will learn to distinguish between source types, how to avoid plagiarism, and how to use sources in their research projects. 18 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

LIBR 4 - College Research Techniques

0.5 units

Introduction to basic research techniques in a college library. Focus is on use of the library catalog, search strategies, organization of materials in the library including reference, faculty reserves, circulating books, audiovisuals, use of reference materials, evaluation of relevant resources, recognition of plagiarism, and bibliographic citation of books, audiovisuals, and magazines and journals. 9 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * LIBR 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

LIBR 5 - College Research and Databases

0.5 units

Introduction to research techniques in a college library using general research databases. Focus on campus and remote use of multidisciplinary research databases, search strategies, distinction between scholarly journals and popular magazines, evaluation of relevant resources, recognition of plagiarism, and bibliographic citation of articles from magazine, journal, and newspaper databases. 9 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * LIBR 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

LIBR 6 - Research in Special Subjects

0.5 units

Introduction to college library research techniques in a specific subject area. Focus on campus and remote use of subject databases, emphasis on discipline specific physical and electronic resources, search strategies, evaluation of relevant resources, distinction between scholarly journals and popular magazines, discussion of plagiarism, and bibliographic citation of materials. 9 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * LIBR 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

LIBR 7 - The Open Web and Search Engines

0.5 units

Introduction to research techniques in a college library using search engines to find materials on the open web. Focus on use of the open web for research purposes, including web search strategies, appropriate search engines and directories, evaluation techniques for web resources, recognition of plagiarism, and bibliographic citation of web resources. 9 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * LIBR 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: P/NP

LIBR 8 - Research and Information Literacy

2 units

Introduction to research techniques using college library resources. Teaches the skills needed to successfully find, evaluate, and document information in print, electronic, and Internet formats. Covers plagiarism, the ethical and legal aspects of information use, and the critical thinking skills necessary for successful college research. 36 hours lecture. Transfer: CSU, UC*. * LIBR 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 combined: maximum UC credit, one course.

• Degree Applicable, Credit
• Grading Option: OP

LIBR 29 - Independent Study, Library Studies

0.5 - 2 units

For course information, see "Independent Studies". 27-108 hours laboratory.