A-Z of Research: Research Bootcamp at LASC Library

On Saturday November 9th, Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) Library held its first Research Bootcamp workshop. The 4-hour workshop was designed to provide an in-depth hands-on experience where students could research their own topic and work one-on-one with a librarian. Twenty-one students attended the event which covered all aspects of library reference and research with an emphasis on the importance of discernment, recognizing disinformation & fake news, and source analysis.

The workshop was led by the LASC faculty librarians, Parisa Samaie, Norma Drepaul and Deborah Farber, and focused on three important aspects: (1) the research process, (2) sources of information, and (3) analysis and citation. Specific topics included how to narrow down information, the importance of context (back up information), developing keyword search strategies, using library databases, accessing appropriate websites, using Google Scholar, and how to cite, format and create a reference page. Throughout the workshop, students were engaged in lively conversations, brainstorming and working on their own topic.

In support of and in cooperation with the library, lunch was provided for all courtesy of the Academic Senate. Post event feedback was universally positive and proved beneficial to those who participated. The Research Bootcamp was the first of more like-minded workshops to come.