1. University Library
Information retrieval and
scientific communication –
Global and local perspectives
PhD Course
SLU University Library

2. 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/foodsecurity-initiative/20121/transferable-skill-courses/

3. Partner
Makerere University Library
Professor Maria G. N. Musoke
We had a meeting in September in Uppsala

4. Learning outcomes
After completing the course, the participants should have acquired lifelong 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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5. 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]

6. 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.