Advanced Information Literacy from Coursera

This course is designed to build upon a learner's search skills and expertise in the information literacy concepts that underpin scholarship at college or university. This badge incentivizes them to continue improving their information literacy competencies over their academic and workplace career. By participating in this course, one can use these advanced search skills to save time conducting literature reviews, efficiently gather and organize information, ethically use sources, and protect their own intellectual property.

Learners will work independently on a topic of their choosing and receive feedback from their peers throughout the process. The modules build on each other and provide learners with a framework (project outline). The final project is disseminated as a digital object that exemplifies the learner’s status as an emerging scholar or professional.

The modules are self-paced, the estimated completion time for each module is 2 hours. The content within each module can be paused at any time, with the exception of the quiz at the end of each module.

In addition to earning a certificate from Coursera for this course, you'll also receive a Micro-Credential Digital Badge from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York recognizing your accomplishment. Use your verified digital badge to promote your achievement online, and access job insights related to your new skills. Upon completion of each individual course and the complete Specialization, you will receive an email from Coursera with directions on how to claim your badge. Payment or participation through an official Coursera promotional offer is required to have full access to the course and to qualify for the Coursera Certificate and Digital Badge.

What's inside

Syllabus

Understand various forms and expertise of scholarship

This module includes the course welcome. It also covers the concept of formal and informal information sources in an open scholarship environment (ie. alternative publishing platforms, open access, and paid/proprietary subscriptions). Students will understand the economic and political realities of disseminating information at the federal and global levels. They will also evaluate the information sources they consult for currency, relevancy, authority, accuracy, and bias.

Cite scholarship to give proper attribution

Information has value, therefore, it must be properly cited to avoid plagiarism. Students learn how to organize their project’s references, and properly employ citation conventions using citation management tools and style manuals to avoid plagiarizing. Students learn how multimedia is licensed for reuse with varying degrees of restriction using Creative Commons licensing. They learn how to provide attribution to various scholarly multimedia (images, audio records, and videos) they consult, as well as how to license their own work.

Strategically explore the information landscape

This module covers brainstorming your initial project idea to create a compelling and manageable research statement. Students will then learn to identify keywords from the statement for purposes of searching and expand upon those words using synonyms. Advanced Boolean, truncation, wildcard, and phrasal searching will also be covered.

Map the information landscape

In this module you will employ the search strategies you have developed in module three and search relevant information sources (databases, organizational websites, government repositories, and alternative platforms) using advanced database search tools such as controlled vocabulary, cited references, and bibliography mining. You will use the citation management tool of your choice from module two.

Final Project

This is the culmination where you will work on crafting a research topic/argument and develop three points that support your argument from the research you do using the Internet, Google Scholar, and databases available to you through your local library or public university/college.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops advanced search skills to efficiently and effectively conduct literature reviews and gather information

Improves information literacy skills and competencies for academic and workplace careers

Builds upon learners' existing search skills and information literacy concepts

Taught by esteemed instructors from the University at Buffalo, the State University of New York, recognized for their expertise in information literacy

Provides a framework (project outline) for learners to apply their skills

Requires learners to work independently on a topic of their choosing, fostering critical thinking and research abilities

Reviews summary

Highly recommended course

Learners say that Advanced Information Literacy is an excellent course. Students particularly recommend the course.

The course is highly recommended by students.

"It was an excellent experience to learn the course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Advanced Information Literacy with these activities:

Review Library Resources and Databases

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Refamiliarizing yourself with library resources and databases will ensure you can effectively access and utilize the necessary information for your research.

Browse courses on Database Searching

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Visit the library website or attend an orientation
Explore the available databases and search tools
Practice searching for relevant scholarly articles

Seek Mentorship from Experts

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Connect with professionals or experienced researchers who can provide guidance and support for your academic and career growth.

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Identify potential mentors in your field.
Reach out to them and express your interest in mentorship.
Build a mutually beneficial relationship.

Review Boolean Search Operators

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Revisit the concept of Boolean operators to ensure you have a strong foundation for building effective search strings.

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Define the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT.
Identify the different ways to use Boolean operators to combine search terms.
Practice using Boolean operators to create effective search strings.

Ten other activities

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Read 'Information Literacy in the Digital Age' by Carol A. Kuhlthau

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Gain a deeper understanding of information literacy concepts and their application in the modern digital landscape.

View Guided Inquiry on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
Reflect on how the concepts relate to your own research and learning practices.
Discuss the book's ideas with peers or a mentor.

Attend a Data Visualization Workshop

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Attending a workshop will provide you with practical skills in effectively communicating your research findings through engaging visualizations.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a reputable workshop aligned with your research interests
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate and apply the techniques learned

Collaborate on Research Topics

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Engage with peers to discuss research topics, develop arguments, and provide feedback on each other's work.

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Join a peer group or online forum.
Share your research topic and ideas with the group.
Receive feedback and suggestions from peers.

Conduct Advanced Literature Searches

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Using advanced search strategies can help optimize your literature reviews and allow you to identify relevant research more effectively.

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Identify relevant keywords and synonyms
Utilize Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to combine search terms
Leverage truncation (*) and wildcards (?) to expand your search
Search within specific fields (e.g., title, abstract, author)

Develop a Research Proposal

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Creating a research proposal will help you articulate your research question, justify your approach, and plan your project effectively.

Browse courses on Research Proposal

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Define your research problem and objectives
Conduct a thorough literature review
Develop a research design and methodology
Write and submit your proposal for feedback

Develop a Research Statement

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Craft a clear and concise research statement that outlines your research topic, question, and argument.

Browse courses on Research Question

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Identify the main research topic and question.
Develop a thesis statement that presents your argument.
Organize your statement into a clear and logical structure.

Practice Advanced Search Techniques

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Engage in hands-on practice of advanced search techniques to refine your skills in crafting effective search strings.

Browse courses on Keywords

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Develop search strings using keywords, synonyms, and phrases.
Practice using advanced operators such as truncation, wildcard, and proximity search.
Refine search results by applying filters and limiters.

Compile an Annotated Bibliography

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Creating an annotated bibliography will enhance your ability to critically evaluate and summarize research, providing a strong foundation for your own scholarly work.

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Select a research topic
Conduct a comprehensive literature search
Annotate each source with a concise summary and critique
Organize the bibliography thematically or chronologically

Mentor Students in Information Literacy

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Share your knowledge and skills by mentoring students who are developing their information literacy abilities.

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Offer your services to mentor students.
Provide guidance and support to your mentees.
Reflect on your own learning and growth as a mentor.

Create a Digital Research Project

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Design and execute a digital research project that showcases your research skills and exemplifies your status as an emerging scholar.

Browse courses on Research Dissemination

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Select an appropriate research topic and format for your project.
Conduct thorough research and gather relevant data.
Analyze your data and develop your findings.
Present your findings in a clear and engaging manner.

Career center

Learners who complete Advanced Information Literacy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Knowledge Engineer

A Knowledge Engineer is responsible for designing and developing knowledge-based systems. This course may be helpful for Knowledge Engineers because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Knowledge Engineers create more effective knowledge-based systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Engineer

Intelligence Analyst

An Intelligence Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information in order to provide insights to decision-makers. This course may be helpful for Intelligence Analysts because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Intelligence Analysts find and use information more effectively, leading to better insights and decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst

Information Broker

An Information Broker is responsible for providing research and information services to clients. This course may be helpful for Information Brokers because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Information Brokers find and use information more effectively, leading to better results for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Broker

Journalist

A Journalist is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and reporting on news and current events. This course may be helpful for Journalists because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Journalists find and use information more effectively, leading to more accurate and informative reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Research Analyst

A Research Analyst is responsible for conducting research and analyzing data to provide insights to businesses and organizations. This course may be helpful for Research Analysts because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Research Analysts conduct more effective research and provide more valuable insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst

Information Architect

An Information Architect is responsible for the design and organization of information systems and websites, ensuring that users can easily find and use the information they need. This course may be helpful for Information Architects because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Information Architects create more effective and user-friendly information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect

Policy Analyst

A Policy Analyst is responsible for researching and analyzing public policy issues to provide insights to policymakers. This course may be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Policy Analysts stay up-to-date with the latest policy issues and develop more effective policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Information Security Analyst

An Information Security Analyst is responsible for protecting an organization's computer systems and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. This course may be helpful for Information Security Analysts because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Information Security Analysts stay up-to-date with the latest security threats and vulnerabilities and develop more effective security measures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Knowledge Manager

A Knowledge Manager is responsible for managing an organization's knowledge assets, including documents, databases, and other resources. This course may be helpful for Knowledge Managers because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Knowledge Managers create and manage more effective knowledge management systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

Records Manager

A Records Manager is responsible for managing an organization's records, including paper documents, electronic files, and other materials. This course may be helpful for Records Managers because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Records Managers create and manage more effective records management systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Records Manager

Medical Librarian

A Medical Librarian is responsible for providing access to and managing medical information for healthcare professionals and patients. This course may be helpful for Medical Librarians because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Medical Librarians stay up-to-date with the latest medical information and provide better services to their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Librarian

Academic Librarian

An Academic Librarian is responsible for providing access to and managing information for students, faculty, and staff at a college or university. This course may be helpful for Academic Librarians because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Academic Librarians stay up-to-date with the latest information and provide better services to their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Librarian

Forensic Analyst

A Forensic Analyst is responsible for examining and analyzing digital evidence in order to investigate crimes. This course may be helpful for Forensic Analysts because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Forensic Analysts find and analyze evidence more effectively, leading to more successful investigations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Analyst

Librarian

A Librarian is responsible for managing operations within a library, providing access to the collection of materials, and organizing and retrieving information for patrons. This course may be useful for Librarians because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Librarians stay up-to-date with the latest information and provide better services to their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Data Scientist

A Data Scientist is responsible for using data to solve problems and make predictions. This course may be helpful for Data Scientists because it provides advanced search skills, efficient gathering and organizing information, and ethical use of sources. These skills may help Data Scientists find and use data more effectively, leading to better results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist