University Library

Information retrieval and

scientific communication –

Global and local perspectives

PhD Course

SLU University Library

Assignment:

Information retrieval and scientific communication -

Global and local perspectives

Develop knowledge of

factors affecting search information

search processes

scientific communication

source criticism

critical evaluation of publications

See http://www.slu.se/en/international/slu-global/food-

security-initiative/20121/transferable-skill-courses/

Partner

Makerere University Library

Professor Maria G. N. Musoke

We had a meeting in September in Uppsala

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the participants should have acquired life-

long information skills and knowledge. Specifically they will be able to:

plan, perform and analyse search strategies, compare search tools

within their research areas and critically evaluate search results

understand the conditions and patterns of today´s scientific

communication and publishing as well the use and limitations of

bibliometric tools and methods

use basic functions in a reference management software to create a

collection of references relevant to their research topics

[handle research materials in accordance with national and international

laws, such as copyright, patent and intellectual property rights]

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Content

search process, search strategies

international reference databases

e-journals, e-books, other resources

searching the web, web tools for communication

reading skills/critical and analytical reading

reference management

bibliometrics and bibliometric tools

scientific communication, open access, strategic publishing

[preservation and handling of research data

copyright]

Tasks

1. Give a short presentation of your research field, your information

search experience and expectations of the course.

2. Search task. Formulate a search strategy, try several databases,

create alerts and save references in an EndNote Library.

3. Publication task. What factors determine how or where research

results are published in your department? Ask your supervisor and/or

colleagues within your research group which factors are most

important.