The Virtual Library
Course Description
Navigate the world of online information . . . the Virtual Library
The move from paper to electronic information sources has dramatically changed the landscape of academic research, publishing, and scholarly communication. Fast-paced technological innovations shape our research practices as well as the ways we publish and share our work with others inside and outside our fields.
This seven-week online course will guide you through the many electronic research resources available at the University of Toronto—and beyond—and provide you with the necessary skills to use them effectively to enhance your own research. It will also cover things like tracking and analyzing citations, and organizing and sharing electronic information using citation management software such as Refworks and Zotero. Finally, the course will examine the ways that Web 2.0 technologies and the Open Access movement are changing the world of scholarly publishing and communication.
Modules
Module 1: Introduction to the Virtual Library; Effective Summon Searches
Connecting to the University of Toronto Libraries web site, mobile site, mobile app, and e-resources; detailed instructions on finding books, theses, full-text articles, and other library resources using Summon, the Library's new search interface; intercampus deliveries and interlibrary loans; setting up your RACER account and requesting material from other libraries; how to search other library catalogues using WorldCat; introduction to RefWorks; setting up your RefWorks account.
Module 2: Education databases at the University of Toronto
Finding and selecting education databases; the finer points of Boolean searching; effectively searching online University of Toronto education databases: ERIC, Education Full Text, CBCA Education.
Module 3: Interdisciplinary databases and e-journals
An exploration of databases available in other disciplines and interdisciplinary databases (choice will depend on the interests of students in the course); electronic journals; Ulrich's Periodical Directory; Article Finder.
Module 4: Cited reference searching and online theses and dissertations
Cited reference searching using Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar; finding online theses and dissertations.
Module 5: Internet resources in education
Advanced internet search strategies; customizing Google Scholar preferences; open data and statistics; online newspapers, books, and reference sources; other online education databases.
Module 6: Organizing your information: Citation management with RefWorks 2.0 and Zotero
Managing and sharing citations with RefWorks and Zotero; creating in text citations and reference lists; citing electronic resources.
Module 7: Scholarly Communication: Trends in scholarly publication
New directions in scholarly publishing, including blogs and wikis; using RSS feeds to set up search alerts for databases and journals; Open Access publication, T-Space and electronic thesis submission; author's rights; copyright.
Student Testimonials
"The library used to give me headaches and now I volunteer to do research for my classmates!"
"This is one of the most interesting and practical courses I have ever taken. I wish I had taken it sooner because it really opened up my options for exploring research materials and helped me look more efficiently."
"This course should be compulsory for all graduate students."
"This is one of the most interesting and practical courses I have ever taken. I wish I had taken it sooner because it really opened up my options for exploring research materials and helped me look more efficiently."
Registration
The Virtual Library course is highly recommended for OISE graduate students.
Registration will be available on a first-come first-served basis, and is not considered complete until payment has been received.
The $65 fee, payable to OISE, covers the cost of developing materials for the course.
Enrollment is limited to 20 students.
- Date: Fall 2012 start date TBA
- Time: There is no regularly scheduled class time. Assignments can be completed online at any time during the course.
The instructors will hold virtual office hours Mondays 5:00 - 6:00pm and Thursdays 5:00 - 6:00pm. - Location: Online
- Fee: $65.00
You can register online or in person. Registration will open in September 2012. To register in person, please bring your cash or cheque to:
Room 3-395
Education Commons, OISE
252 Bloor Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6
