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What
is Searchpath?
Searchpath is a self-instructional tutorial
to teach Southeast students basic library and research skills. It covers the research
process from initial topic selection to citation styles and the
issue of plagiarism. There is a link to Searchpath on the Libraries'
home page under
Learn - research tools or it can be
accessed directly from
http://library.semo.edu/searchpath/index.html.
Its content is organized into six modules:
| 1
- Starting smart |
an
overview that introduces students to various types of sources. |
| 2
- Choosing a topic |
which
provides tips on broadening and narrowing a topic and discusses
search concepts. |
| 3
- Using the Catalog |
which has live practice searches in our online catalog. |
| 4
- Finding articles |
in
which students can practice searching the Academic Search
Premier
database. |
| 5
- Using the Web |
which includes the comparative evaluation of Web sources. |
| 6
- Citing sources |
a module that also includes the topics of plagiarism and copyright. |
Each of the
six sections takes about 10-15 minutes to complete, and students can
do this on their own time outside of class. Each of the modules is
followed by a short quiz. All UI100 classes are automatically
given access to the quizzes at the beginning of each semester.
For all other classes, instructors need to arrange quiz access for
their students by contacting Claudia Ruediger or Matthew Olsen
(contact information below). Instructors too can view and
practice taking the quizzes. For access, contact Claudia or
Matt for the username and password.
Who
is it designed for?
Searchpath is
designed for students in classes with a substantial writing
component or introductory-level research. However, we hope instructors of other
classes will find it useful and assign it to their students.
How
can instructors effectively use Searchpath with their courses?
Please
have students complete Searchpath before they begin their
research or as an information literacy reinforcement. Students can complete
Searchpath
on their own time.
Each module is
followed by a short quiz. If you plan to have students take the
quizzes or want to view and take them as well, contact Claudia Ruediger at 986-6793,
cruediger@semo.edu or
Matt Olsen at 651-2748,
molsen@semo.edu .
Does
Searchpath replace library instruction?
No.
We continue to
offer course-related library instruction and hope that you will
incorporate it into your syllabus. Timing is important! Research has shown that:
- Students
learn best and retain most when they need the information.
- Library instruction
is more effective when the course instructor is present.
- Library instruction
is more effective when coordinated with a class assignment.
Kent Library
has an electronic classroom, the Little Theatre, which librarians
use for instruction and hands-on learning. This is
heavily booked, so please schedule early to reserve the date and
time you need--preferably call us at least 2 weeks ahead. Requests
will be filled on a first-come basis.
To arrange a
library instruction session or access to Searchpath quizzes
contact:
Claudia
Ruediger, phone: 986-6793, email:
cruediger@semo.edu
or, Matthew
Olsen, phone: 651-2748, email:
molsen@semo.edu .
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