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Information Literacy: Skills for Researchers

Learn how to find, evaluate, and use sources to support your research by developing your information literacy skills.

443 enrolled on this course

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Information Literacy: Skills for Researchers

443 enrolled on this course

  • 5 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

Develop your information literacy skills to research more effectively

Information is available in many formats, mediums, and versions. Researchers need to have information skills to enable them to exploit the wide range of resources available and to retrieve, evaluate, and use that information effectively.

This three-week course from Universiti Malaya will empower you with the information literacy skills you need to become a better and more effective researcher.

Understand how to evaluate the credibility of your sources

The internet is filled with information on any topic imaginable, but it can be challenging to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources.

The experts at Universiti Malaya will teach you how to find and evaluate sources online using search strategies and vetting techniques. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to identify relevant and credible sources for your academic research.

Adhere to research ethics through correct referencing and citation

In order to use the work of other researchers, you will need to understand how to reference and cite authors correctly to avoid plagiarism. This is a key component of research ethics.

On this course, you’ll learn to use information critically and responsibly by crediting other authors and expanding on their work.

Learn how to publish to platforms like Web of Science and SCOPUS

Journal publications allow researchers to market their work and contribute to expanding a field of knowledge. However, there are a number of components that are required for a successful submission and publication to journals such as Web of Science and SCOPUS.

With the help of professional librarians and educators from Universiti Malaya, you’ll discover the criteria and standards your work should meet in order to be considered for publishing.

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Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Introduction to Information Literacy

    • Welcome to the course

      Welcome to the Universiti Malaya Library Course!

    • Introduction to Information Literacy

      The introduction to information literacy is crucial for several reasons as it lays the foundation for individuals to navigate and make sense of the vast amount of information available in today's digital age.

    • Type of Information and Information Sources

      Learning about the types of information and information sources equips you with the skills to navigate the vast sea of information available today.

    • Type of Reference for Researchers

      Researchers use various types of references to support their work and provide credibility to their research findings. These references help researchers build on existing knowledge, and acknowledge the work of others.

    • Concept Map for Developing your Search Strategy

      Developing your Search Strategy

    • Weekly wrap up

      Quick quiz on concepts of blended learning. Now it is time for a quick quiz on the concepts of blended learning.

  • Week 2

    Digital Literacy

    • Welcome to week 2

      Welcome to the second week of our course, where we'll be delving into the dynamic world of digital literacy.

    • What is Digital Literacy?

      Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills (American Librarian Association, 2022).

    • Basic Digital Literacy for Researchers

      Basic digital literacy for researchers encompasses a range of skills and knowledge that are essential for conducting research effectively in the digital age.

    • Weekly wrap up

      Quick quiz on concepts of blended learning. Now it is time for a quick quiz on the concepts of blended learning.

  • Week 3

    Scholarly Publication And Research Visibility

    • Welcome to week 3

      Unveiling the strategies and techniques that can propel your research from the realm of ideas to the broader scholarly community.

    • Introduction

      In this week, we will guide you on how to get your research published and choose the best journal to publish your manuscript

    • Finding journals in your research area

      Simple steps to targeting your research at high impact factor journals

    • How to Publish a Journal Article

      Find out how to submit to a journal with our quick three-step guide. (source: Emerald Publishing)

    • Research Visibility

      By making your research visible and accessible you increase chances of your research being noticed, used and having impact, thus increasing your own reputation and chances of success in your academic work.

    • Weekly wrap up

      Now it is time for a quick quiz on the Research Ethics, Plagiarism, Citation and Referencing

  • Week 4

    Research Ethics and Plagiarism

    • Welcome to week 4

      We're thrilled to have you join us for week 4 of our course, where we'll be delving into the fascinating and crucial topics of Research Ethics and Plagiarism.

    • Introduction Research Ethics & Guidelines

      We will embark on a journey that delves into the ethical considerations that shape the foundation of responsible and credible research.

    • Research Misconduct

      Research misconduct means fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, or reviewing research, or in reporting research results.

    • What is Plagiarism

      Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work or ideas as your own, with or without their consent, by incorporating it into your work without full acknowledgement.

    • Weekly wrap up

      Research ethics and plagiarism avoidance are crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of research and upholding the principles of academic and professional integrity.

  • Week 5

    Citation and Referencing

    • Welcome to week 5

      Citation and referencing are essential components of academic and scholarly writing. They serve several important purposes that contribute to the credibility, integrity, and clarity of the work.

    • Copyright & Authorship

      A copyright is a form of protection provided by law to anyone who creates “original works of authorship.” Essentially, a copyright protects literary, musical, dramatic, artistic and other qualifying creative works of the author.

    • Introduction to Citation and Referencing

      A citation is a reference to the source of information used in your research. Any time you directly quote, paraphrase or summarize the essential elements of someone else's idea in your work, an in-text citation should follow.

    • Weekly wrap up

      You've made it to the final week of our course on Citation and Referencing.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Upon completing this course, participants will emerge with enhanced information literacy skills, equipping them to navigate the intricate digital landscape.
  • Develop critical thinking skills to assess the credibility, reliability, and relevance of information sources
  • Understand the principles of academic integrity, including proper citation and avoiding plagiarism
  • Foster a mindset of continuous learning, encouraging researchers to stay updated on new information, tools, and methodologies throughout their careers

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers.

It will also be useful for lecturers, librarians, and teachers who wish to reinforce their information literacy skills.

Who will you learn with?

Dr. Mohd Faizal Hamzah is currently working as a Senior Librarian at the University of Malaya (UM). He also a part-time lecturer at the same University.

Zanaria is currently working as an information specialist, Deputy Chief Librarian and also overseeing the overall management of branch and faculty libraries

Hanani Fauzi currently working as a senior librarian at the University of Malaya (UM).

Who developed the course?

Universiti Malaya

Universiti Malaya is the premier research university in Malaysia, committed to advancing knowledge and learning through quality research and education for the nation and for humanity.

  • Established

    1905
  • Location

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • World ranking

    Top 60Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$19.99

For your first month. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 7 Jan 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 29 December 2024 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

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