Course Description:

This course introduces 7^th graders to the high school library. Students will review library skills learned in elementary school and build on those skills, particularly in the areas of research, available resources, and the use of databases. Ethical concerns related to the use of computers and the internet will also be addressed.

Definitions: Information Skills include the ability to find efficiently, evaluate critically, and use ethically and creatively all the electronic and print resources currently available to students at CHS. Success in Information Skills leads to what have been termed 21^st Century Skills- These include: the ability to produce high-quality products; creativity; cultural literacy or global awareness; higher order thinking; planning, prioritizing, and managing work; scientific literacy; self direction; social or personal responsibility; teaming or collaboration skills; the use of real world technology tools, and visual literacy. (as defined on the PATI 08/09: Teacher Survey)

Units of Study

Review:

• Accelerated Reader
• Dewey Decimal system
• OPAC

Units of Study:

• Introduction to IR-
  • What is Information Resources class?
  • The 9 Information Literacy Standards
• Organization of the CHS Library and Library Webpage
  • The 5 main sections of the library and organization of the books within sections
  • Dewey Decimal Classification System
• OPAC- finding books in the CHS library
• Tips for Searching/Boolean and, or, but not
• Electronic Resources
  • Using Power Library and its databases effectively
  • ACCESS PA and interlibrary loan process, book searches
• Speakers- Public Library, nurse, MIS (manager of information services)
  • Acceptable Use of Technology Policy (AUP) & MIS
• Reliable Resources
  • Primary Sources definition and examples
  • Pathfinders & Webquests
  • Web Evaluation