Think, Research, Create: Introduction to Library Research

York University Libraries has launched a new approach to teach Information and Digital Literacy to undergraduate students. University can be overwhelming for students, but this series of four engaging classes can help set them up for success! Designed to build on each other, students can attend all four or just the ones that suit your course needs. In this series, we teach the essential Information & Digital Literacy concepts.

Series Description

This series consists of four 90-minute classes. The classes contain multiple learning activities, quizzes, discussion and time for reflection. They are open to any student registered at York. Students can take the classes as many times as needed. We recommend students attend them in sequence if possible.

Enrollment & Completion

Students can register here. They will receive a certificate of completion for the series or participation for each of the classes that they attend which can be uploaded to your class at your discretion and you can award participation marks accordingly. Please let your students know they can see the four-class titles under the series "Think, Research, Create: Introduction to Library Research".
If you are interested in this series and would like to incorporate it into your course, please fill out this brief form (Introduction to Library Research classes) or email us at yul_slas@yorku.ca

Curriculum

Learning Outcomes
- Students can apply basic knowledge of their discipline’s information environment to guide selection and management of appropriate resources, while recognizing that in some circumstances, such as oral histories, alternate approaches may be preferred.  
- Students can begin to engage in scholarly conversations by creating and communicating information in a responsible, ethical manner that is consistent with their status as emerging scholar

Short Description for Students
Feeling overwhelmed by academic expectations? Join us for "Conquering Information Overload" and learn how to quickly spot appropriate information and cite it like a pro—no stress, no confusion!

Learning Outcomes
- Students can identify scholarly practices and research processes and begin to apply these understandings to their academic work, including applying basic techniques to develop and scope a research topic
- Students can design an effective search strategy that leverages the affordances of search tools, systems, and techniques to engage in reflective inquiry on a research topic, while maintaining a healthy skepticism of the embedded value systems and power structures that shape these systems

Short Description for Students
Not sure how to start your research or pick a topic that works? Join us for "Kickstart Your Research" and learn how to choose strong topics, search smarter, and set yourself up for academic success.

Learning Outcomes
- Students can use appropriate and socially just strategies to critically evaluate information sources and their uses 
- Students can design an effective search strategy that leverages the affordances of search tools, systems, and techniques to engage in reflective inquiry on a research topic, while maintaining a healthy skepticism of the embedded value systems and power structures that shape these systems.  

Short Description for Students
In a world full of bias, spin, and viral misinformation, how do you know what to trust? Join us for "Question Everything" and learn how to critically evaluate sources and stay sharp in today’s confusing information landscape.

Learning Outcomes
- Students can begin to engage in scholarly conversations by creating and communicating information in a responsible, ethical manner that is consistent with their status as emerging scholars.
- Students can assess the implications of information creation processes, including their risks, affordances, and intersectional dimensions, and apply this understanding in their own work.

Short Description for Students
Got something to say? Join us for "Create to Communicate Ethically" to learn about important resources and useful practices that help you craft meaningful, impactful content in and out of the classroom, while respecting copyright, citation, and your audience.

Contact Us

Please contact us to discuss the series and the logistics of incorporating it into your course. We’d be happy to discuss approaches to encourage student attendance and assigning participation marks. Please email us at yul_slas@yorku.ca