Library session: Learning objectives

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Learning Objective 1: Turn keywords into search strategies

After choosing and exploring a topic area, the student will create a keyword search strategy, using Boolean connectors and truncation as appropriate, that retrieves potentially relevant results from an online information retrieval tool.

Performance indicator: Constructs a search strategy using appropriate commands for the information retrieval system selected.
ACRL Standard 2, Performance indicator 2d
Outcome Demonstrates an understanding of the concept of Boolean logic, and constructs a search statement using Boolean operators.
  Demonstrates an understanding of the concept of keyword searching and uses it appropriately and effectively.
  Demonstrates an understanding of the concept of truncation, and uses it appropriately and effectively.

Learning Objective 2: Develop new search strategies, based on new information

After retrieving bibliographic records or citations, the student will correctly identify the controlled vocabulary fields in the records, and apply the controlled vocabulary to revised search strategies.

Performance indicator: Selects controlled vocabulary specific to the discipline or information retrieval source.
ACRL Standard 2, Performance indicator 2c
Outcome Identifies when and where controlled vocabulary is used in a bibliographic record, and then successfully searches for additional information using that vocabulary.

After retrieving information about the topic area, the student will anaylze the new information and identify additional keywords that, when used in an information search, will retrieve additional information sources.

Performance indicator Develops a research plan appropriate to the investigative method.
ACRL Standard 2, Performance indicator 2b
Outcome Gathers and evaluates information and appropriately modifies the resarch plan as new insights are gained.

Learning Objective 3: Evaluate the results of searches

After retrieving bibliographic records and citations, the student will analyze the information given in the records to determine if the search strategy is yielding potentially useful information sources.

Performance indicator: Assesses the quantity, quality, and relevance of the search results to determine whether alternative information retrieval systems or investigative methods should be utilized.
ACRL Standard 2, Performance indicator 4a
Outcome Determines if the quantity of citations is adequate, too extensive, or insufficient for the information need.
  Assesses the relevance of information found, by examining elements of the citation.

Learning Objective 4: Examine the thesis, and revise to integrate new information

After retrieving and examining information sources on the topic, the student will integrate the new information into their previous understanding of the topic and reword or refocus their thesis statement as necessary.

Performance indicator: Reviews the initial information need to clarify, revise or refine the question.
ACRL Standard 1, Performance indicator 4a
Outcome Identifies a research topic that may require revision, based on the amount of information found (or not found). Identifies a topic that may need to be modified, based on the content of information found.