Learning to do library and web-based information research is an important part of information competency. To support this, CCSF Library provides a suite of library skills workshops.
Click on the Start Workshop button below to begin. Log in with an active RAM ID and password. After logging in, enroll in the Library Skills Workshops course for the current semester by clicking on the Enroll in Course link. This is not a credit course, but students must be enrolled in order to access the workshops in Canvas.
Most library workshops will close on Tuesday, May 16 at 7pm. MLA and APA Research Challenger workshops will close on Tuesday, May 9 at 7pm.
Find library workshops in Canvas. To begin the workshops for the first time:
At the end of each workshop, learners earn a badge that is labeled with their CCSF email address and workshop title. Your CCSF Canvas account contains all completed online workshop badges from the current semester. Click on “Badges” link in course navigation bar on the left. You can also see the workshops you've completed in your Grades page in the Library Research Skills course. Take screenshots of your badge(s) or your Grades page to email to your instructor. Or, ask a librarian to give you a completion slip you can email.
With the exception of Research Challenger, library workshops are based on information competency concepts and can be taken in any order. However, the Library recommends taking them in the following order:
Library workshops have been updated. Old versions had letters in their names (e.g. “Workshop A”). If you received old information, ask your instructor to contact us. We will be happy to provide them with current information about Library workshops.
No, all workshops must be completed online in Canvas. If you need help with a workshop, contact us or visit any CCSF Library reference desk.
Completion slips for workshops from past semesters can be issued by a CCSF reference librarian for up to one year from completion. Contact a librarian to request one and we will email it to you.
Those workshops were phased out over one year ago, and the grades are no longer valid.
Research Challenger workshops are graded online by a librarian within one week of submission. If revisions are needed, the grading librarian will contact you through Canvas to correct and resubmit the assignment. Students who need their grade more immediately may come to a library reference desk to get their assignment graded in person, but should be aware that this process may take some time if corrections are needed or if the library is busy at that time.
| Workshop Name | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Getting Started with the CCSF Library | Identify the locations of CCSF Library Identify the services that the CCSF Library provides for students Locate where to access the online resources of the CCSF Library Use the RAM ID to access online library resources Determine when and how to ask a CCSF librarian for help |
| Information Identifier | Identify at what point in the information cycle a source is created Distinguish between primary, secondary and tertiary sources Differentiate between scholarly and non-scholarly sources Determine which information format is appropriate based on the degree of information provided |
| Database Seeker | Develop and conduct effective search strategies within library databases Interpret screen displays and filter search results in order to find relevant materials Identify and retrieve relevant information regardless of format type |
| Citation Champion (MLA and APA) | Recognize plagiarism in its various forms and the consequences of plagiarizing Correctly paraphrase, quote and summarize an original idea from a source using a standard citation format Correctly identify citation elements for the purpose of preparing a list of sources in a standardized citation format Define copyright and fair use and identify when exceptions can be made |
| Information Evaluator | Describe how the publication process is a factor in the evaluation process of an information source Understand the difference between information formats, both formal and informal Evaluate a source using criteria such as authority, relevance, objectivity/bias, and currency |
| Research Challenger | Write and refine a research question or thesis statement Identify key concepts and terms in the research question or statement Distinguish different types of sources (popular, scholarly, primary, secondary) and select those appropriate for the information need Apply research skills to find credible sources that are relevant to information need Understand the importance of critically evaluating and crediting other’s research contributions Prepare MLA or APA formatted citations for a bibliography |