TRAILS: Teaching Research And Information Literacy Skills

TRAILS Menu

Introductory Sessions

Resources & Services

Database Searching

Research Process

Subject-Specific Collections

Instruction Options in Detail II. Library Resources & Services About Trails ||| View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form |||

| Online Research Tools | Online Services | SUMMIT Catalog
| Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources | Types of Periodicals | Finding Audiovisual Media |
| Geographic Info Systems (GIS) | Numeric Data Services |

A. Online Research Tools	Time: 50 Minutes	Description: A general overview of SU Library's online research tools (e.g., SUMMIT online catalog, database menus, E-journals list, subject guides, and "Ask Us?" online research assistance). Instructional resources and guides will be shared to assist students in conducting research on their own.	Suggested Prerequisites: "Library Research Tools" [online tutorial]
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Gain familiarity with various online sources and research tools at SU Library. Identify unique features of the tools offered and information formats available using those tools (i.e., catalog vs. databases vs. E-journals list). Select databases and E-journals pertinent to a discipline. Understand options for retrieving non-local resources (e.g., via ILLiad interlibrary loan system). Access online resources from off-campus. Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

B. Online Services	Time: 20 Minutes	Description: A general overview of Library services available online that can assist students in various stages of their research. General orientation to Library web site.	Suggested Prerequisites: "Library Web Site" [online tutorial]
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Find information about the Library's services (e.g., hours, policies, etc.). Access information on their library accounts and take desired actions (e.g., renew items checked out). Access materials not currently available (e.g., recall a book from another borrower; initiate an interlibrary loan). Access online resources from off-campus. Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

C. SUMMIT Catalog	Time: 30-80 Minutes	Description: An introduction to effective and efficient information retrieval using SUMMIT, SU Library's online catalog system. This session can include hands-on search practice. It is most effective when students have a specific topic to research.	Suggested Prerequisites: "Library Research Tools" [online tutorial]
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Understand what SUMMIT does and does not contain. Brainstorm possible search terms. Interpret catalog results (e.g., item location, item status, in process messages, etc.), including journal title locations. Access print and online course reserve items using SUMMIT. Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. Longer sessions may also prepare students to: Conduct effective SUMMIT searches using special features and techniques (e.g., advanced searching, Boolean operators, limits, truncation, etc.). Understand the controlled vocabulary used to index SUMMIT holdings (i.e., Library of Congress Subject headings). View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

D. Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Sources	Time: 30 Minutes	Description: An exercise allowing students to distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary sources, including (as requested) how such concepts may apply to a specific academic discipline.	Suggested Prerequisites: None
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Differentiate between primary, secondary and tertiary sources. Understand how to locate above source types at SU Library. Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

E. Periodical Types	Time: 70 Minutes	Description: This session includes a presentation and discussion on the differences between scholarly, popular, trade, and opinion sources as well as criteria for evaluating these and other sources. Students participate in a hands-on exercise to analyze a set of periodicals and distinguish their "types" based on a set of clues.	Suggested Prerequisites: Review "Periodical Comparison Chart"
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Distinguish between different types of periodical sources (in print and online) based on a set of clues. Assess periodicals and other information sources based on evaluation criteria. Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

F. Finding Audiovisual Media at SU Library	Time: 30-50 Minutes	Description: This session provides an overview of the various audiovisual information formats available via SU Library.	Suggested Prerequisites: None
Outcomes: As a result of this session, students will: Locate visual images, photographs, slides, etc. from SU Library and from recommended online sources. Identify SU Library subscription databases specializing in audiovisual formats (e.g., online music, still photos, streaming video). Identify options for receiving additional research assistance. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

G. Geographic Information Systems (3rd Floor - E.S. Bird Library)	Time: To be arranged	Description: These sessions, ranging from a 30 minute tour and orientation to more lengthy workshops, focus on the various Geographic Information Systems that can be accessed via SU Library.	Suggested Prerequisites: None
Outcomes: Can be customized to fit curricular needs, but in general terms, as a result of such sessions, learning outcomes may include: Greater understanding about SU Library's maps collections and GIS Resources. Greater understanding about the resources offered within SU Library's Geographic and Statistical Information Center (G-SIC) such as using GIS and statistical software together. Greater understanding of how GIS can be applied to almost any subject area. Increased skill in the use of specific software technology relevant to GIS (e.g., ArcGIS, ArcInfo, Arcview, etc.). Knowing the options for receiving additional research assistance pertinent to maps and GIS. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form

H. Numeric Data Services (3rd Floor - E.S. Bird Library)	Time: To be arranged	Description: These sessions, ranging from a 30 minute orientation to more lengthy workshops, focus on the various Numeric Data Services offered by SU Library.	Suggested Prerequisites: None
Outcomes: Can be customized to fit curricular needs, but in general terms, as a result of such sessions, learning outcomes may include: Greater understanding about SU Library's Numeric Data Services. Increased skill in the use of statistical software, such as SAS, STATA and/or SPSS. Improved knowledge of research methods, study design, and/or questionnaire construction. Greater understanding about the resources offered within SU Library's Geographic and Statistical Information Center (G-SIC) such as using GIS and statistical software together. Knowing the options for receiving additional research assistance pertinent to use of numeric data as part of one's research process. View the TRAILS Instruction Request Form