Academic Information Seeking from Coursera

This course will introduce you to the basic elements of academic information seeking - we will explore the search process from defining a strategy to evaluating and documenting your search results.

Attending the course will make you a proficient information seeker. You will learn how to carry out comprehensive literature searches based on your own research assignment. You will be guided through the various information seeking steps from selecting relevant search strategies and techniques to evaluating your search results, documenting your search process and citing your sources.

Attending the course will enable you to:

• Identify your information need

• Evaluate databases and other information resources

• Set up search strategies and use various search techniques

• Formulate search strings based on your own research assignment

• Identify relevant material types

• Undertake critical evaluation of your sources

• Search more efficiently on the internet

• Avoid plagiarism

• Cite correctly

• Work with reference management

• Document your search process

The course is intended for undergraduate students but the lessons will be useful to anyone who is interested in becoming better at finding scientific information. There are no formal requirements for the course.

The series consists of 21 lectures that are organized into three modules. The lectures include small assignments and quizzes (to check comprehension).

The lectures will each touch upon a topic that is essential to the information seeking process. To get the most out of the lecture series, we recommend that you access the lectures while you are working on an academic paper. We also recommend that you watch the lectures in the order in which we have structured them.

We recommend that you create and fill out a log book while attending the lectures. We have created a log book template that you can use during the course.

The lecture series has been developed in collaboration between information specialists at University of Copenhagen and Technical University of Denmark

What's inside

Syllabus

Preparing your search process

In Module 1, we focus on preparation. We explain how to use a log book to document your searches, provide ideas for generating search terms, introduce you to various types of literature, material and information resources, and to reference management.

Performing your searches

In module 2, you will learn to search for and find information. You will learn how to set up a search strategy and you will be introduced to various search methods and search techniques.

Evaluating your search results

In module 3, you will learn how to evaluate, use and document your search results. You will get tips on how to critically assess information, you will be introduced to concepts like copyright and plagiarism, and you will learn how to insert citations and bibliographies into your papers.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces beginners to the essential elements of academic information seeking

Guides learners through finding scientific information for comprehensive literature searches

Offers a systematic approach to searching, from defining search strategies to documenting search results

Covers various aspects of information seeking, including evaluating databases, formulating search strings, and using search techniques

Helps learners avoid plagiarism by providing guidance on correct citation methods

Involves hands-on practice with creating log books to document search processes

Reviews summary

Academic information seeking skills

Learners say this course teaches valuable information seeking skills for academic research. It is well organized with coherent lectures, engaging instructors, and optional activities for further learning. Students should note that some instructors' English is unclear, but subtitles are available.

Nice and engaging

"the lecturers are nice and engaging."

Well organized and coherent

"Lectures are well organized and coherent with the goals."

Highly useful for academic research

"It is a very valuable course for those who needs to write an academic paper."

"I'm sure it will be very useful in my life as a student and as a professional."

Some instructors' English unclear

"I rated it with four stars because the English of some of the lecturers were not clear enough."

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 Academic Information Seeking with these activities:

Review information-seeking principles

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Review the basic principles of academic information seeking to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.

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Read the course syllabus and introduction
Review your notes from previous courses on research methods or information literacy
Take a practice quiz on information-seeking concepts

Read 'The Craft of Research' by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams

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This book provides a comprehensive guide to the research process, covering topics such as finding and evaluating sources, writing research papers, and avoiding plagiarism.

View The Craft of Research, Fifth Edition (Chicago... on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters
Summarize the key points of each chapter
Apply the principles to your own research project

Develop a research plan for your course project

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Creating a research plan will help you to focus your research and ensure that you are on track to complete your project successfully.

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Identify your research question
Identify the keywords and search terms that you will use
Develop a search strategy
Identify potential sources
Create a timeline for your research

Five other activities

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Practice using the library's databases

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The library's databases are a valuable resource for finding academic information. Practicing using them will help you to become more efficient at finding the information you need.

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Identify a topic that you are interested in
Use the library's database to search for information on that topic
Evaluate the results of your search

Join a study group or collaborate with a classmate

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Working with others can help you to learn the material better and to stay motivated.

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Find a study group or classmate to work with
Set up regular study sessions
Discuss the course material
Help each other with research and assignments

Teach a lesson on a topic related to the course

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Teaching a lesson will help you to deepen your understanding of the material and to develop your communication skills.

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Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is related to the course
Develop a lesson plan
Prepare your presentation
Teach the lesson to your classmates
Reflect on your experience

Contribute to an open-source project related to the course

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Contributing to an open-source project will help you to develop your skills and to learn from others.

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Find an open-source project that is related to the course
Identify a way that you can contribute to the project
Make your contribution
Reflect on your experience

Attend a workshop on a topic related to the course

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Workshops can provide you with new skills and perspectives on the course material.

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Find a workshop that is related to the course
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Reflect on what you learned

Career center

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

Information Specialist

Information specialists help organizations find, manage, and use information. This course will teach you how to set up search strategies, use various search techniques, and evaluate your search results. These skills are essential for information specialists, who need to be able to quickly and accurately find the information their clients need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Specialist

Librarian

Librarians help people find the information they need. This course will teach you how to conduct comprehensive literature searches, evaluate your results, and document your search process. These skills are essential for librarians, who need to be able to efficiently and effectively find information for their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Knowledge Manager

Knowledge managers help organizations manage and share their knowledge assets. This course will teach you how to document your search process and cite your sources. These skills are essential for knowledge managers, who need to be able to track and manage the organization's knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Knowledge Manager

Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical records. This course will teach you how to evaluate your sources and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for archivists, who need to be able to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the records they preserve.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Documentalist

Documentalists create and manage documents. This course will teach you how to document your search process and cite your sources. These skills are essential for documentalists, who need to be able to create and maintain accurate and consistent documentation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Documentalist

Researcher

Researchers conduct research and analyze data. This course will teach you how to set up search strategies, use various search techniques, and evaluate your search results. These skills are essential for researchers, who need to be able to quickly and effectively find the information they need.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Editor

Editors review and edit written material. This course will teach you how to evaluate your sources and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for editors, who need to be able to ensure the accuracy and quality of the material they edit.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Journalist

Journalists write and report news stories. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for journalists, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to report on.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in legal matters. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for lawyers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to support their clients' cases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Teacher

Teachers educate students. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for teachers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to teach their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Public relations manager

Public relations managers manage the public image of organizations. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for public relations managers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to manage their organization's public image.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers plan and execute marketing campaigns. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for marketing managers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to develop and execute their marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Web Designer

Web designers create and maintain websites. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for web designers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to create and maintain their websites.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Designer

Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers manage the human resources of organizations. This course will teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills are essential for human resources managers, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to manage the organization's human resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Business Analyst

Business analysts analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course may teach you how to find information, evaluate your sources, and avoid plagiarism. These skills may be helpful for business analysts, who need to be able to find accurate and reliable information to analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst