Peer Review

FIU Libraries: research: researchHOW - Information Literacy Toolbox: Welcome

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Oct 12, 2020 by Library and Information Services

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The researchHOW Information Literacy Toolbox provides researchers and FIU library users with instructions how to access and use library services and tools (e.g. Interlibrary Loan and subscription databases), as well as how to navigate the research process from start to finish by applying information literacy skills to the selection, evaluation, and creation of information. researchHOW could serve as an optional, stand-alone reference resource for more experienced researchers - for example, as a resource link in an LMS course page. Alternatively, instructors of introductory research courses could assign different sections of "The Research Journey" as individual homework to students over the course of a research project. Pairing researchHOW with specific course activities can provide instructors with a means of introducing students to the fundamentals of information literacy within a relatable, relevant research context.

Type of Material:

Reference Material and Tutorials

Recommended Uses:

It can be used for in class, homework, individual uses and to complete assignments using research.

Technical Requirements:

Overall resource works in Chrome, Firefox, IE, and Edge browsers on PC, as well as Chrome and default browser on Android device. LibGuides platform is responsive to most mobile device browsers.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Effectively locate and use library services and research tools both online and on campus
Understand the research process
Find appropriate information sources for different research contexts
Evaluate information sources for relevance and accuracy
Structure and organize information for sharing in an academic setting
Properly cite external sources of information used in original works

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, College Lower Division

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic computer and internet navigation skills required. Ability to login to FIU central authentication system necessary to view some content.

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

Provides a great deal of information and resources for a user population that is diverse both in terms of research subject matter and level of research experience.
The creators effectively incorporated each of the 6 ACRL frames for information literacy in higher education into the instructional content of this resource.
The links to external web resources in this toolbox are well explained and cited, and lead to reputable sources of information.

Concerns:

This site is created for the FIU University students so a number of the areas are closed to non-students.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

Provides instructional information in a variety of formats (videos, text, images), which accommodates a wide variety of learning styles and preferences.
There is a lot of information in this resource; so the tabbed module format used throughout the different site pages presents information in very manageable chunks. And the creators do a great job of labeling those content areas for ease of discovery.
The different components of the Research Journey portion of this resource could be easily and effectively integrated has homework or supplemental readings into courses with semester-long research projects.

Concerns:

This resource contains a such a large amount of information that some learners new to research may find it a bit overwhelming if they stumble upon it outside the context of a structured course.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The site adapts well to various screen sizes, devices, and browsers.
There are several ways of navigating through the various pages of this resource (i.e. menus and links at top of page, additional links at bottom) which appeals to a diverse audience with different navigation styles and preferences.
The content areas in the pages are clearly categorized and labelled for ease of navigation.

Concerns:

There are some broken links.

Other Issues and Comments:: This is an extremely large and detailed site. It provides users with pathways to gain information or the user can go through the site completely at their own level. The use of YouTube videos to help with searching strategies is especially helpful.
Creative Commons: