FRS 197: Information Power Unleashed 

Find out what librarians really do for a living.

Wikipedia - Librarians

Career Info (American Library Assn)

The dates on which we meet are represented by the tabs at the top of this site.

Class Time:

Section 1: Tuesday, 1:15 - 2:30

Location:

518 Glickman Library, Portland

1 credit-hour / 10 weeks in length

Check out the library blog, Cools Sites, to stay up-to-date on website and ideas for a class paper.

Welcome to FRS 197, Information Power Unleashed...

Yes, according to at least one survey, around 85% of college students now get most of their information from Google or Wikipedia? Maybe you're one of them. Maybe libraries seem like a confusing maze of information and going online is easier.

The problem is, that's wrong and most of your instructors at USM will not accept sources from Google or Wikipedia.

In FRS 197 you will find out how to locate and use the solid, authorititive information your instructors want. You will discover that Google or Wikipedia are good starting points for research, but you can't stop there.

The library has lots of books, articles, reference materials, videos and other sources of information and it employs professional librarians who are friendly experts, eager to help you find what you need quickly. In addition, most of the library resources are available online. By the time you have completed this short course you will probably agree with some of the comments from last semester. What did students say?

Should more sections of the class be offered? 19 yes / 2 no

Should this be a required class for freshmen? 14 yes / 7 no

"It was interesting, informative and fun."

"I learned a lot and will save lots of time navigating in the future."

"It helped me to learn research skills that will be very helpful in my future."

Not that the class is perfect. It is constantly being changed to make it more effective and fun. Learning doesn't have to be boring and tedious.

Use the tabs at the top of this site you will be able to track weekly assignments, check your current grade, and get in touch with your instructor. Keep in mind that due to the short 10-week length of this class you will automatically receive zero (0) points for any missed class without the instructors prior permission and only one unexcused absence is allowed. Use the Syllabus tab to find out how the class is structured and how to pass with ease.

During each class the instructor will assign a set of three questions he/she has selected from this list. You must physically go to the Reference Desk at either Portland or Gorham Library and ask the librarian on duty to help you answer the questions. He/she will have the questions and will have the list of students in your class. He/she will mark off your name when you have successfully completed the assignment. If your name has not been checked off by the time of the next class you will not receive credit for completion of the assignment.

These are not hard questions, but they are designed to get you used to using specialize sources and used to asking for help from librarians who can save you lots of time and pain.