ICS 139W Critical Writing - Fall 2009 - Prof. Ramanan's section 

Researching from home? Use the VPN Links below to access our databases.   Instructions on connecting from off-campus should be followed - for additional information, consult with OIT at 949-824-2222

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Your UCI PhotoID will serve as your copy card for xeroxing and printing.  It requires that money be added to it by inserting it in one of the Regenerator machines found throughout the UCI Libraries.  Enter a few dollars at a time and add to it when it is depleted.  Costs will be debited at the rate of 8 cents per copy or xerox made; 12 cents per page of printing and more for color printing.  Beginning in Fall 2009, it will also be good in all campus IT centers but the costs for different functions may vary.

This course website will direct you to Library services and resources in order that you can be successful in this course and in your major.  The point of departure will be the UCI Library Website. It will supplement your course syllabus and assignments which you should consult frequently and  read carefully. Each of the subsequent tabs will serve a different set of course objectives.  You have several assignments and hints for each one are offered.  Please remember that this course serves as an Upper Division Writing course and by that function has additional caveats:  that following the highest level of writing technique is expected - that you will correctly cite all sources.

This course will direct you to information resources and services, specifically, the online databases and will give you access to all that is defined by "Resource Tools" and "Finding Online Resources." There are two functions on this screen - to BROWSE assuming you know the title; and to SEARCH when you can search by title word or keyword. This new page allows you to search all online resources collectively or by type:

• Databases
• Online Journals
• News & Newspapers
• Reference tools
• Statistical & Data Resources (mostly government information)

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact the Subject Librarian for any assistance in retrieving information or using library services.

When using Online or Internet Resources, consider Search Engines vs. metasites - evaluate resource - be attentive to domain -may include .com, .edu, .org, .gov, .net

Thinking Critically about World Wide Web Resources - http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/college/help/critical/index.htm

1. Scope of coverage
2. Verifiable information - can be documented
3. Authority control - authorship - who, affiliation, where
4. Currency - note the date, the update, does it reflect the right period of time
5. Timeliness
6. Evaluate the source - establish criteria that is meaningful to covering the topic>
7. Objectivity - reduce bias
8. Accuracy
9. Design & Presentation
10. Ease of use
11. Citing Internet resources - URL & date of the search
12. Capturing and citing
13. Copying

Library Hours have changed!  Please consult the Library Hours before making a disappointing trip.  During Fall Quarter 2009, basically the hours are:

Mon-Thurs from 8-8; Fri from 8-5 and Sat/Sun from 1-5; Gateway Commons is open from 6pm-3am

Hotspotr : Find a Wi-Fi hotspot in your area with Hotspotr, a Google Maps mashup that relies entirely on user input.  As with other Wi-Fi finders, you can search for hotspots by city, ZIP code or place, then get maps, driving directions, phone numbers, etc.