Library Workshops & Credit Courses

LIB 100 Critical Approaches to Information Research

(3 units) Transfer Credit: CSU

LIB 100 introduces students to the effective use of library and non-library information resources and services in various academic disciplines and professions. Students learn the core concepts of information retrieval alongside essential techniques of organizing, presenting, evaluating, and analyzing information and proper source attribution.

Topics include:

• effective information research planning 
• search techniques, evaluation criteria, and ethical use of information
• information cycle and timeline 
• comparing, contrasting, and selecting library and open web resources 
• types and characteristics of information sources 
• Identifying ethical and verifiable sources

This class enhances critical thinking and evaluation skills by using a variety of textual, graphical, visual, and audio sources to assess how information is produced, consumed, and presented. It teaches students how to assess sources for perspective, veracity, and authority in order to develop the ability to apply critical thinking practices to specific disciplinary contexts and information problems within the student’s field of interest.

SPRING 2025

Critical Approaches to Information Research

Class number #1750

3 Units / ZTC - Zero Textbook Cost

Hybrid  - Meets Mondays: 9:10 am - 10:35 am

 Transfer Credit: UC / CSU

Instructor: Adina Lerner, GCC Librarian

Scholars Enhancement Available

LIB 100 Syllabus (example from previous semester; will not be exactly the same)

This is a short summary of the statistical evaluation report for the Library 100 course.  Overall the study found that the information research course was associated with positive student success in certain student outcomes.  

Here are the highlights:

Overall:

• Students who passed Library 100 achieved a higher grade point average (3.48) compared with a 3.44 GPA for the matched comparison group across five semesters. 
• Students who passed Library 100 and returned to GCC the following semester had a higher average next–term GPA of 3.67, compared with 3.53 for the matched group.
• Students who passed Library 100 achieved a higher passing rate (98%) in transfer level English.