“Colby-Sawyer people are really nice to be around, and the professors are great. Some of the classes have really changed my life, and I didn't expect that.”
Marianne Lamas, Psychology major
Information Literacy Instruction
Possible topics for Information Literacy Workshops:
The Research Process: Wondering where to start? We'll begin by learning how to utilize the Library's website. We'll also talk about how to choose a feasible topic, generate research questions, write a thesis statement, and plan your research strategy. This is a hands-on workshop – feel free to bring questions on specific assignments with you.
Print materials and e-books: Lost in the stacks? Learn how to use the library's online catalog using title, subject, & keyword searches. Learn how to save to 'My List' and where to locate books in our multi-leveled building.
Identifying Scholarly Resources utilizing online databases Learn the difference between a scholarly or peer reviewed journal and a magazine article and efficient strategies for locating valid & timely scholarly sources.
Conquering citations Learn how to create bibliographies and in-text citations for MLA, APA, CMS, and other reference formats. Bring your citation problems and questions with you and we'll find solutions together.
Statistical Research Confused about how to do statistical research? Librarians can help you differentiate between data that is reliable and accurate and that which is biased. Bring your assignments and learn how to pose feasible research questions and locate appropriate data.
Stats websites for Nursing and Health Science majors A specialized version of the statistical research workshop with a focus on the health sciences.
Using the Census Overwhelmed with data? This workshop will provide an introduction to utilizing the social and economic data gathered by the US Census.
Primary vs. Secondary sources What's the difference? We'll take a broad look at sources across the curriculum - from the Humanities to the Sciences – and how to utilize both in your research projects.
Archives: Treasures of Colby-Sawyer's past and present What we've got and how to use what we've got to inspire your research and imagination!
Literature Reviews and Annotated Bibliographies How to construct them?! Bring your lit review and annotated bibliography assignments. Working with authoritative models, you'll learn how to create them in the required citation formats.
Academic Honesty: What is it? A conceptual discussion of the issues as well as strategies and practical tips for avoiding the pitfalls.
Capstone Research: Plumbing the depths with your research This workshop provides guidance to upper level students on their capstone journey. Initiates individualized partnership between capstone students and library reference staff.
Program refreshers Rusty on Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Publisher? Come for a refresher or to learn the finer points of these applications.
Advanced Internet Searching Learn how to better utilize Google, Google Scholar, and other search engines to find reputable web resources, as well as to mine the depths of the 'invisible web'.
What's New at the Library A review of new programs, sources, applications, collaborations, and special events. Depending on participant interest, this may also include a brief history of information and/or of the library at Colby-Sawyer.
