Information Literacy Notes

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Information Literacy Notes
Information Literacy (KCA University)
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INFORMATION LITERACY
By
Cosmas Kemboi

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Table of Contents
MODULE TITLE: KCAU 001: INFORMATION LITERACY ........................................ 6
LECTURE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION LITERACY ......................... 8
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Introduction to Information literacy.......................................................................... 8
1.3.1 Basic concepts .................................................................................................... 8
1.2 Specific objectives: ................................................................................................... 8
1.3.3 Development of information literacy ............................................................... 10
1.3.4 Definition of information literacy .................................................................... 11
1.3.5 Characteristics of an information literate individual ....................................... 11
1.3.5 Why information literacy is important in higher education ............................. 12
1.3.6 Benefits of information literacy ....................................................................... 13
1.3.7 Role of information in the information/knowledge society ............................. 13
1.3.8 Characteristics of the information/knowledge society ..................................... 13
1.4 Activities ..................................................................................................................... 14
1.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 14
1.7 Suggestion for further reading ................................................................................ 15
LECTURE TWO: SOURCES OF INFORMATION ....................................................... 16
2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 16
2.3 Sources of Information ........................................................................................... 16
2.3.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 16
2.3.2 Print Resources ................................................................................................ 16
2.3.3 Digital Resources ............................................................................................. 16
2.2 Specific objectives: ................................................................................................. 16
2.3.4 Reference Sources ............................................................................................ 17
2.3.5 Non-Reference Sources ................................................................................... 17
2.3.6 Other sources of information ........................................................................... 18
2.4 Scholarly and non-scholarly resources ................................................................... 18
2.5 Periodicals (Journals, newspapers and Magazines) ................................................ 18
2.5.1 Journals and Journal Articles ........................................................................... 18
2.5.2 Magazines and Magazine Articles ................................................................... 19
2.6 Electronic Resources Provided by KCA University Library .................................. 20
2.7 Choosing sources of information ............................................................................ 22
2.8 Activities ................................................................................................................. 23

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2.9 Self – Test Questions .............................................................................................. 23

2.10 Summary ............................................................................................................... 23
2.11 Suggestion for further reading .............................................................................. 23
LECTURE THREE: REFERENCING ............................................................................. 24
3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 24
3.3 Referencing ................................................................................................................. 24
3.3.1 Definition of referencing.................................................................................. 24
3.3.2 Types of referencing styles .............................................................................. 25
3.3.4 American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style. ...................... 25
3.3.5 The importance of referencing in academic writings ...................................... 26
3.4 Citations ...................................................................................................................... 27
3.4.1 Direct quotations .............................................................................................. 27
3.4.1.2 Block Quotations .......................................................................................... 28
3.4.2 Paraphrased citations ....................................................................................... 29
3.6 Secondary Referencing ........................................................................................... 30
3.7 References List........................................................................................................ 30
3.7.1 Compiling References ...................................................................................... 30
3.7.2 References of print book .................................................................................. 31
3.7.3 References of journal article ............................................................................ 32
3.8 Digital object identifier (doi) .................................................................................. 32
3.9 References vs Bibliography .................................................................................... 33
3.10 Activities ............................................................................................................... 33
3.11 Self – Test Questions ............................................................................................ 33
LECTURE FOUR: INFORMATION SEARCH STRATEGIES ..................................... 35
4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 35
4.3 Information Search Strategies ................................................................................. 35
4.3.1 Definition of searching .................................................................................... 35
4.3.2 Boolean operators ............................................................................................ 35
4.3.3 Truncation and Nesting .................................................................................... 38
4.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 38
LECTURE 5: ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION OF INFORMATION ................... 39

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5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 39

5.3 Organization and Location of Information from the Library.................................. 39
5.3.1 Finding Information in a Resource Collection................................................. 39
5.3.3 Library layout and organization ....................................................................... 40
5.4.5 The Martin Oduor-Otieno Library Organization ............................................. 41
5.4.6 Finding Books by Call Numbers...................................................................... 42
5.4.7 Library catalogue (OPAC) ............................................................................... 43
5.4.8 Library Collections .......................................................................................... 44
5.5 Activities ................................................................................................................. 44
5.7 Summary ................................................................................................................. 45
LECTURE SIX: EVALUATION OF INFORMATION AND INFORMATION
SOURCES......................................................................................................................... 46
6.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 46
6.3 Evaluation of Information Sources ......................................................................... 46
6.3.1 Criteria for judging information source ........................................................... 46
6.4 Activities ................................................................................................................. 49
6.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 49
LECTURE SEVEN: SYNTHESIZING ASSIGNMENTS AND RESEARCH REPORTS
........................................................................................................................................... 50
7.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 50
7.3 Synthesizing assignments and research reports ...................................................... 50
7.3.1 Synthesizing the Information ........................................................................... 50
7.3.2 Present the information task (e.g. writing the essay) ....................................... 50
7.3.3 What is the best way to present the synthesized information? ........................ 51
7.3.4 Appraise the Completed Task .......................................................................... 51
7.4 Activities ................................................................................................................. 52
7.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 53
LECTURE EIGHT: PLAGIARISM ................................................................................. 54

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8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 54

8.3 Plagiarism ............................................................................................................... 54
8.3.1 Definition of Plagiarism ................................................................................... 54
8.3.2 Types of Plagiarism ......................................................................................... 55
8.3.3 Tips on how to avoid plagiarism ...................................................................... 55
8.4 Activities ................................................................................................................. 56
8.6 Summary ................................................................................................................. 57
APPENDIX I: APA REFERENCING STYLE GUIDE AS PER THE 6TH EDITION OF
THE APA MANUAL, 2010 ............................................................................................. 58
APPENDIX II: Format for writing World-Class Essay Assignments/Term Papers......... 68
APPENDIX III: CITING OTHER PEOPLES’S WORK ................................................. 72

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MODULE TITLE: KCAU 001: INFORMATION LITERACY
Introduction
Welcome to this module of information literacy. The purpose of this module is to help
you gain information literacy skills. These are essential skills that will eguip you with
skills such as ability to recognize when information is needed, ability to locate, ability to
evaluate, ability to reference and use effectively the needed information. It will help you
to be able to access and locate information required for the other modules that you have
registered. It is expected to enhance your overall academic performance. We hope that
this module will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be become a lifelong
learner and independent thinker.
The examination will be (70% exams and 30% CAT) 0.5 or as prescribed in other
examination rules.
This is a half module as it is combined with HIV and AIDS module.
Objectives
By the end of this unit you should be able to:
(i) Explain the role of information in the society
(ii) Explain the role of information literacy in your studies and professional career
(iii) Describe how information is organized, stored, retrieved and disseminated.
(iv) Describe the information sources and resources for your studies
(v) Articulate your information needs and formulate an effective search strategy.
(vi) Evaluate the quality of information for your studies
(vii) Apply referencing in academic writings
(viii) Avoid plagiarism in academic writings
Recommended Readings
Idiodi, E.A. (2005). Approaches to information literacy acquisition in Nigeria, Library

Review. 54(4), 223 – 230
KCA University Library. (2012). APA referencing style guide as per the 6th edition of the
APA manual, 2010. Nairobi: KCA University Library
KCA University Library. (2013). Collections. Retrieved on 30th July 2013 from
www.kca.ac.ke

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KCA University Library. (2013). Downloads. Retrieved on 30th July 2013 from
www.kca.ac.ke
KCA University Library. (2013). E-resources. Retrieved on 30th July 2013 from
www.kca.ac.ke
Lau, J. (2008).IFLA Publications: Information Literacy: International Perspectives.
Berlin, DEU: K. G. Saur Retrieved from www.ebrary.com
Machet, M. (2012). Mastering of information skills in the 21st century. Pretoria: Unisa
Press
Neville, C. (2010). The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism (2nd ed.).
Maidenhead: Open University Press. Retrieved from www.ebrary.com
Okiki, O.O., & Iyabo, M. (2013). Impact of information literacy skills on academic staff
research productivity in Nigeria Federal Universities. Information and Knowledge
Management, 3(2) Retrieved from www.iiste.org
The University of Sydney. (2011). Your guide to APA 6th style referencing. Retrieved April 30,
2013 from
http://sydney.edu.au/library/subjects/downloads/citation/APA%20Complete_2012.pdf

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LECTURE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION LITERACY
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on introduction to information literacy. We shall begin the study
of this lesson by understanding the basic concepts. We will further explain the
importance of information literacy in higher education.
1.2 Specific objectives:

At the end of the lecture you should be able:
1) to define basic concepts in information literacy
2) to explain the importance of information literacy in higher education
3) to describe characteristics of information literate individual
4) to explain the development of information literacy
5) to explain the characteristics of information and /or knowledge society
6) to know and explain information literacy skills
1.3 Introduction to Information literacy
1.3.1 Basic concepts
a) Information needs: If you are unable to answer a question or solve a problem

within your frame of reference, you know that you need more information. As an
information literate person, you will know that you need accurate and appropriate
information to help you make intelligent decisions. For example to:
 Find a job,
 Vote in an election,
 Obtain a bursary,
 Do an assignment,
 Prepare for exam,
 Write your project, among other needs.
b) Information awareness: This is the knowledge base and skills framework you utilize
when you use information. Information literacy is possible only if you have an
awareness of the role of information in society and in your own life. Information
skills are based on a very strong awareness of the role of information in your life.
This awareness encompasses your knowledge of what information is and why it is

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important, as well as your knowledge and skills which enable you to know where and
how to find information.
c) Information skills: Accessing, evaluating and using information are fundamental
skills for information literacy. We group these skills together and call them
information skills. To be information literate, you need to be capable of doing several
things with information. The skills should enable you to:
(i) Be aware of and understand the information environment e.g library,
databases, printed, e-resources, among others
(ii) Recognize when you need information
(iii) Understand the role of information in your own life
(iv) Know where and how to find relevant information from different sources
(v) Evaluate information sources, among other skills
d) Lifelong learning (LL): This is continuing on path of education throughout life.
Lifelong learning implies that whatever knowledge and skills you acquire through
learning; these should be effective throughout your life and enable you to continue
learning throughout your life. Lifelong learning and information literacy go hand in
hand in. You acquire information skills through learning and because they are
transferable skills, you can use them throughout your life in various situations. Think
about reading and writing skills!
It has been argued that lifelong learning is not only learning for professional
development, but it also includes learning for personal and civic duties. We need to
upgrade our skills and knowledge to enhance our capacity to be more attractive not
only to the current employer but also to the market.
Information literacy is a ‘prerequisite’ and ‘essential enabler’ for lifelong learning.
Lifelong learning is intertwined with self directed/independent learning and
participation. The American Library Association states that information literate
people … know how to learn because they know how knowledge is organized, how to
find information and how to use information in such a way that others can learn from
them. They are prepared for lifelong learning, because they can always find the
information for any task or decision at hand. Similarly, the Australian School Library
Association describes information literacy as ‘synonymous with knowing how to

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learn’. Further, the American Library Association states that information literacy is ‘a
means of personal empowerment. It allows people to verify or refute expert opinion
and to become independent seekers of truth.’ Information literacy can be seen as a
subset of independent learning that in turn is a subset of lifelong learning.
e) Information task: An information task is any job which requires the use of
information. Any situation where you use information to solve a problem or make a
decision. All the preparation you do for an examination (studying, reading and doing
assignments) involves accessing, evaluating and using information to increase your
knowledge of the specific subject.
f) Information overload: Information has increased so rapidly over the years that
more and more expertise is required to use it effectively. The sheer abundance of
information and technology will not in itself create more informed citizens without a
complementary understanding and capacity to use information effectively. The main
reason we need information literacy skills is to enhance our capacity to consume the
available information and increase our value creating capacity. The availability of
enormous amount of information demands better “information literacy skills”.
g) Information: A collection of facts or messages which have some meaning for the
person receiving them; communicated knowledge (Machet & Behrens, 1999).
1.3.3 Development of information literacy
“Information literacy” is a concept that was first used in the 1970s (Zurkowski, 1974) as
cited in Machet (2012). The notion arose in the USA, which was already an advanced
information society with its economy heavily reliant on information and the people
working with this information. To be able to cope with the amount of information
requires individuals to be skilled not only in using information itself to solve work-
related problems, but also in using the retrieval tools and mechanisms available (e.g.
library skills) to find the necessary information for the problems. In 1989 (as cited in
Matchet, 2012, p.11), a presidential committee on information literacy produced the
following explanation of information literacy:
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To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information

is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate and use effectively the needed
information….ultimately, information literate people are those who have learned
how to learn. They know how to learn because they know how knowledge is
organized, how to find information and how to use information in such a way that
others can learn from them. They are people prepared for lifelong learning
because they can always find the information needed for any task or any decision
at hand. (American Library Association, 1989)
1.3.4 Definition of information literacy
The commonly acceptable definition of information literacy as cited in many information

literacy literatures defines information literacy as a set of abilities requiring individuals
to: “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and
use effectively the needed information” (American Library Association, 1989). This
definition is as result of the work of the American Library Association. It has been argued
that, information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning and enables learners to
master content and extend their investigations, become more self-directed, and assume
greater control over their own learning.
1.3.5 Characteristics of an information literate individual
Individuals who are information literate should be able to do the following:
 Determine the extent of information needed

 Access the needed information effectively and efficiently
 Evaluate information and its sources critically
 Incorporate selected information and its sources critically
 Incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base
 Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
 Understand the economical, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of
information, access and use information ethically and legally. This includes proper
referencing when synthesizing academic writings.
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1.3.5 Why information literacy is important in higher education
Individuals who are knowledgeable about finding, evaluating, analyzing, integrating,

managing, and conveying information to others efficiently and effectively are held in
high esteem (Rockman, 2004). These are the students, workers, and citizens who are
most successful at solving problems, providing solutions, and producing new ideas and
directions for the future. They are lifelong learners. They have learned how to learn.
Studies have also shown that students are entering college and university environments
without fundamental research and information competence skills (for example, the ability
to formulate a research question, then efficiently and effectively find, evaluate,
synthesize, and ethically use information pertaining to that question). It has also been
argued that students may have picked up the skills to send electronic mail, chat, and
download music, but many have not learned how to effectively locate information;
evaluate, synthesize, and integrate ideas; use information in original work or give proper
credit for information used. Moreover, faculty want to see an improvement in the quality
of student work, and students want to become more confident in their ability to complete
assignments, carry out research projects, and become active, independent learners and
thinkers. Lenhart, Simon and Graziano (2001) notes, “for many people, the Internet has
replaced the library as the primary tool for doing research.” Another study elaborated on
this concept, reporting that “many students are likely to use information found on search
engines and various web sites as research material. Content mastered by graduation is
soon outdated or forgotten by students. Learning must continue beyond the time spent in
earning a degree. Nobel laureate Dr. Rabindera Nath Tagore argues that “it is a better
profile of education to know how to use a library (and its resources) than to possess a
university degree”. Therefore, information literacy skills are important to enhance your
inherent learning capability while pursuing your studies and career.
Peter Drucker argues that, “We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of
keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.”
Knowledge workers have a continuous need to learn. Information literacy enhances your
inherent learning capabilities. You become a lifelong learner.
Read the journal article by E.A Idiodi for more knowledge on information literacy skills.
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1.3.6 Benefits of information literacy
The following are some of the benefits of information literacy:
 Students acquire a clearer understanding of where to find the best information and
knowledge when doing assignments and research projects
 Students produce better products in form of assignments, research projects and
academic essays
 Students use a wide variety of information resources
 Students evaluate information critically and systematically
 Students understands how to avoid plagiarism
 Students make acceptable citations and references
 Students seek various sources of evidence to substantiate their ideas and
arguments. They appreciate providing supporting evidence, standing upon the
shoulders of giants
 It contributes to improved student success and academic performance
1.3.7 Role of information in the information/knowledge society
 We use information to increase our chances of survival and improve the quality of our
life.
 Information is a crucial resource in the economic, political and social life of nations.
Information is precious resource (like gold or oil) and that countries need to use it
wisely if they are to be successful economically and politically.
 Information can help us to solve problems and make decisions
 More importantly, we need information for effective teaching, learning and research.
1.3.8 Characteristics of the information/knowledge society
 Importance of theoretical knowledge: Theoretical knowledge is central in finding

solutions to problems.
 Information literacy essential: To cope with enormous amount of information, one

needs to know how a library works, be computer literate and be able to use
communication media effectively.
 Dominant role of information: Information and knowledge are the dominant sector,
e.g. Japan has very few natural resources yet it is wealthy because of high level of
education and exploitation & development of theoretical knowledge.
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 Rapid change: change is taking place extremely rapid and is difficult to predict the
future.
 Centrality of Information Technology: central factor in the conduct of modern
economic and political life (Wilson, 1998).
 Convergence of telecommunication and computers: the world has become a global
village because of the convergence of communication networks and global
infrastructure.
 Increased globalization: companies operate across borders and there is a trend
towards vast transnational every country.
1.4 Activities
1. Explain some basic concepts in information literacy.
2. Identify benefits of information literacy in your studies as a distance
learning students
1.5 Self – Test Questions

a) Define information literacy
b) Explain the different information literacy skills
c) Explain the need for information literacy in higher education
d) Nobel laureate Dr. Rabindera Nath Tagore argues that “it is a better profile
of education to know how to use a library (and its resources) than just to
possess a university degree”. Discuss.
e) What are library skills?
f)
1.6 Summary
In this lecture you have learnt that:
1. Information literacy is critical in your studies and professional career
2. Information literacy skills are essential for lifelong learning and independent
learning.
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1.7 Suggestion for further reading

Idiodi, E.A. (2005). Approaches to information literacy acquisition in Nigeria,
Library Review. 54(4), 223 – 230
Lau, J. (2008).IFLA Publications: Information Literacy: International
Perspectives. Berlin, DEU: K. G. Saur Retrieved from www.ebrary.com
Okiki, O.O., & Iyabo, M. (2013). Impact of information literacy skills on
academic staff research productivity in Nigeria Federal Universities.
Information and Knowledge Management, 3(2)
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LECTURE TWO: SOURCES OF INFORMATION
2.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on sources of information. We shall begin the study of this lesson
by distinguishing print and electronic resources. We will further describe the different
sources of information available in your university library.

1) To identify sources available in print (analogue) format
2) To identify sources available in digital format
3) To access and find electronic resources provided by your University library
4) Distinguish between references sources and non-reference sources
5) Distinguish between scholarly and non-scholarly resources
2.3 Sources of Information
2.3.1 Introduction
There is super-abundance amount of information sources available, and this information

is as a key resource in your studies. Information is found in many different sources. The
sources of information may be people, objects in the environment, books, library
databases (e-books & e-journals), newspapers, magazines, government publications,
sound recordings, video recordings, CD-ROMs and the internet.
2.3.2 Print Resources
Print resources are resources that are available in physical form or hard copy or paper
form. They can be placed on the shelves for users to borrow and take them home.
Examples are books, Periodicals (newspapers, magazines, journals), government
publications, among others. You may use these in the course of your studies. We may
refer these print resources as the analogue resources.
2.3.3 Digital Resources
The digital resources are sources of information that are available online. They are
published online. Libraries (on behalf their clients) access these resources by either
purchase or paying subscription fees to the database publishers such as Springer and
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Emerald publishing group. These databases enable library users’ access large bodies of
literature in virtually every subject area offered by the university in a short span of time.
Users only need to be information literate (know how to access and find information) and
they can access millions of scholarly resources for all their academic and professional
information needs.
2.3.4 Reference Sources
These are information sources that you consult for specific information. You do not read
from page one to the last page. They provide factual information. They are a good
starting point when you have assignments as they give definitions and general
information. They are useful if you have less knowledge about the topic. Knowledge of
references sources is important for your studies. Many references sources used to be
available only in book form, but now we have also the electronic references. The e-
resources available in KCA University library include the online references such as
Encyclopedia Britannica and Oxford English Dictionary. The following are examples of
references sources that you may find in your university library:
 Dictionaries (General and Subject)

 Encyclopedias (General and subject)
 Thesauri
 Directories
 Handbooks
 Yearbooks
 Almanacs
 Maps and Atlases
 Bibliographies
 Bibliographic databases such as a Library catalogue
2.3.5 Non-Reference Sources
These are sources of information that you can read from page one to the last such as:
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Periodicals (Magazines, newspapers and Journals) and books (textbooks, handbooks and
manuals).
2.3.6 Other sources of information
The following is a list of other useful sources of information:

• Conference proceedings
• Diaries
• Government publications
• Grey literature (e.g. reports, brochures, pamphlets, patents)
• Newsletters e.g. KASNEB newsline
• Newspapers
• Undergraduate reports/projects
• Theses and dissertations
2.4 Scholarly and non-scholarly resources
In your assignments you will be required to use the most scholarly material possible to
support your arguments. Scholarly means written by qualified academic experts and
supported by research and references. The audience is the scholarly community. What do
you think about the non-scholarly resources?
2.5 Periodicals (Journals, newspapers and Magazines)
Periodicals are information sources that are published regularly such as weekly, monthly
or quarterly and they maintain the same. They are numbered consecutively and usually
several people contribute on a single issue. The specific write up inside the journal or
magazine are called articles. Each article has specific author or authors.
2.5.1 Journals and Journal Articles
A journal is a collection of articles usually written by scholars in an academic or

professional field. Journal articles report on original research that has been undertaken to
increase the body of knowledge within a specific discipline. They are peer reviewed, that
is, experts review it first before they are accepted for publication. An editorial board
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reviews articles to decide whether they provide a noteworthy contribution to the field.
Journal articles usually cover very specific topics or narrow fields of research. Electronic
journals, called e-journals are published on the web by scholarly organizations and are
also made available to you through the library. The rigorous process of reviewing
articles before publication ensures that the standard of contributions to a specific journal
is set and maintained.
Uses of Journal
• For scholarly research
• To find out what has been studied on your topic
• To find bibliographies that point to other relevant research
The importance and value of using academic peer-reviewed journals in a study by
Zeegers and Giles (1996), which analyzed essays submitted by over 500 first year
undergraduate students. A positive correlation was found for the relationship between the
number of relevant journal articles referred to in the assignment and the level of mark
awarded: “most students who were awarded a credit grade or higher used five journal
articles or more and spent on average 20 hours reading them” (p.452). The number of
relevant journal articles read and the number of hours spent reading generally, and
writing the essay, appears also to have been a significant factor in the award of good
marks to geography students (Hounsel, 1984), and to psychology students (Norton,
1990).
2.5.2 Magazines and Magazine Articles
A magazine is a collection of articles usually written by people who are not necessarily
experts and the audience is the general public. They cater for popular opinions and
interests. They also contain experiential knowledge especially the professional
magazines. Magazines are attractive to the eye because they contain graphics and
advertisements, which sometimes look very attractive to read or peruse through. The
most common magazines are Times, Economist and Newsweek. They are not generally
recommended for assignments; however, they help you know the current and important
issues. Magazine articles are not peer reviewed and not necessarily written by experts.
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2.6 Electronic Resources Provided by KCA University Library
The Library subscribes to electronic resources (both e-books and e-journals) which you
have access to millions of peer reviewed journal articles. The Online journals are very
current; some may be for the current month; so you have an opportunity to get the latest
information & knowledge in the market.
How to Access the E-Resources from the Library
To access the e-resources provided by KCA University library, use this URL
www.kca.ac.ke . Once the KCA University website page opens, click library tap, it will
open the library page. On this page, look on the left, if on campus, select Electronic
Resources. When off campus, select the “Off Campus Resources”. You are required
also to obtain your login credentials from the librarian. By the time of writing this
module, the credentials the librarian gives are your student number (without the stroke
(/) e.g. 1200512) as the username and national ID number as the password.
You can also find more information about these resources via library face book page
“KCA University Library” or twitter: @KCALibrary. There is an e-mail and mobile
number provided on the e-resources portal that you e-mail or call when challenged. The
following is a list of electronic databases containing e-books and e-journals provided by
your university library:
Electronic Books
1. ebrary
2. SpringerLink
3. Taylor & Francis
4. World Bank
Electronic Journals
1. AJOL
2. ALUKA
3. American Physical Society
4. Annual Reviews
5. Cambridge University Press - Cambridge Journals Online
6. Cochrane Library
7. EBSCOhost
8. Edinburg University Press
9. Emerald Publishing Group Limited
10. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
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11. Institute of Physics Publishing

12. JSTOR
13. Optical Society of America
14. Oxford University Press - Oxford Journals
15. Project Muse
16. SAGE Journals Online
17. SpringerLink Journals
18. Symposium Journals
19. Taylor & Francis
20. University of California Press
21. University of Chicago Journals
22. Wiley Online Library
23. World Bank Online Resources
24. World Data Bank
Open Access Repositories
1. Open Knowledge Repository
2. Directory of Open Access Journals
3. Digital Commons Network
Dictionaries, Encyclopedias & Magazines
1. Encyclopedia Britannica
2. Oxford English Dictionary
3. Harvard Business Review
4. Kenya Gazette
OFF CAMPUS ACCESS OF E-RESOURCES

This is to inform all library clients that you can now access the e-resources off campus. You do not
need to worry about visiting the library physically if your information needs can be met by e-journals,
e-books, e-thesis and dissertation, among others. The library information resources are within your
reach wherever you are, including access by use of smart phones. You have access to the best scholarly
information and knowledge in the market, globally.
You can access all these either via the KCA University website or directly from the library website. All
you need to know is this URLs www.kca.ac.ke.
On the home page of KCA website (www.kca.ac.ke), click library on the task bar. When it opens, click
the link “Off Campus Resources”. Once you click, it will ask you for your username and password
which you can get from the librarian or by calling the numbers shown below. Once you get the
username and password, use it only for your academic needs. Keep it discreet (do not share the login
credentials with non-members).
For more information about the Martin Oduor-Otieno Library
Contact the librarian at
KCAUniversity
P.O BOX 56808-00200,Nairobi
Tel: (020)8561803/8 or 8561045/0722981106
e-mail: cosmas@kca.ac.ke or librarian@kca.ac.ke website www.kca.ac.ke
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2.7 Choosing sources of information

When faced with an information related problem, you either use the internet or the library
as first choice or second option. What other options do you have as an information
seeker?
(a) Starting with the Library
The main purpose of a university library is to collect a large, selective quantity of

scholarly material from different periods and on diverse topics, and to organize the
material to make your research and access easier. The following are advantages of
choosing sources provided by libraries or reasons why you need to prioritize the library
sources:
 Library resources go through a review process.

 Library resources are free or discounted for your use.
 Library resources are organized.
 Library resources are meant to be kept permanently.
 Library resources come with personal assistance.
 The Library: Quality over Quantity
 The Library on the Web
(b) Starting with the internet.
Although you may first go to the web for information, you should evaluate whether it is
the best place for what you need. Keep in mind the following considerations when using
sources available free from the internet:
 Much of the information on the Web does not go through a review process.
 Not all information on the Web is free.
 Information on the Web is not organized.
 Most information on the Web is not comprehensive.
 Much information on the Web is not permanent.
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2.8 Activities
1. Write notes on reference sources.
2. Outline the procedure of accessing electronic resources provided by KCA
University library.
3. Write notes on why it is important to select sources provided by libraries
over what is available free.

1. Which is your first choice when faced with an information task? Explain
your reasons.
2. Explain factors to consider in choosing sources of information
2.10 Summary
1. You have access to both print and digital collection.
2. Journals especially the e-journals are appropriate for your essay assignments
3. You may decide to use only electronic books and electronic books for your
studies.

KCA University Library. (2013). E-resources. Available www.kca.ac.ke
Bothma, T., Cosijn,E., Fourie,I., & Penzhorn,C. (2011). Navigating information
literacy: Your information society survival toolkit (3rd ed.).
Pretoria:Pearson
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LECTURE THREE: REFERENCING
3.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on referencing. We shall begin the study of this lesson by
defining referencing. We will further explain the importance of referencing; types of
referencing styles; direct and paraphrased citation statements and finally compiling
references.

1) To define referencing, citations and references
2) To explain the importance of referencing in academic writings
3) To outline the various types of referencing styles
4) To formulate citations statements, both direct and paraphrased using the APA
referencing style
5) To apply direct and paraphrased statements in synthesizing academic writings
6) To compile references using the APA referencing style
7) Distinguish between references and bibliography
3.3 Referencing
3.3.1 Definition of referencing

When you write an essay assignment or research report at the university, or even when
writing a report at work, you are required to refer to or cite the work of experts in a
particular subject area. It has been argued that when you do so, it is essential to identify
their work by making reference to it, both in the text of your work and in a list at the end
of your work. This practice of acknowledging ideas of other authors and their work is
commonly referred to as referencing. Referencing is a standardized technique of
acknowledging sources of information and ideas that you have used in your work in a
way that uniquely identifies their source. This is giving pertinent and correct
bibliographic details of sources of information and ideas that you have used in
synthesizing your assignment or research report. Neville (2010) states that, the “basic
principle of referencing is to support and identify the evidence you use in your
assignments” (p.17). In most cases the concept citing and referencing are used
interchangeably. The presentation should be in a manner that allows anyone who has
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learned the codes and formulas used to understand and trace resources for further
clarification if need be.
3.3.2 Types of referencing styles

This act of referencing is usually done in a standardized style according to specific
referencing styles or formats or methods. There are many referencing styles that are used
by different academic institutions all over the world. It is beyond the scope of this
syllabus to describe all the referencing styles that are available for use. However, it is
important to acknowledge that each university or a faculty within a university, do have a
specific referencing style that is in use. Publishers of journals and books do also have
specific referencing styles. The following are examples of referencing styles that are in
use:
a) American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style.
b) Harvard reference system
c) Modern Language Association (MLA) referencing style.
d) Chicago referencing style.
e) IEEE referencing style, among others.
KCA University, especially the School of Business & Public Management uses the
American Psychological Association (APA). Therefore, students doing essay
assignments and research are required to use the APA referencing style. The University
of South Africa (UNISA), uses the Harvard referencing style. Find which one your
lecturer has recommended or which one have you ever used in the past?
It is also important to note that, once you know how to use one type of referencing style,
like APA, it will be easier to use any other referencing styles. This is because it uses the
same referencing elements which you only need to follow the rules and codes of a
particular style.
3.3.4 American Psychological Association (APA) referencing style.
The APA referencing style that is currently in use is the sixth edition, published in 2010.
This style is commonly used across many disciplines. The APA uses the ‘author-date’
style of referencing. That is, the in-text references generally appear in the following
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format: Author’s surname/last name, year of publication, page number(s). For example,
(Kemboi, 2012, p.128).
3.3.5 The importance of referencing in academic writings
It has been argued that academic integrity requires that you acknowledge ideas that you
have used in creation or synthesizing of your own work. Otherwise, you will be accused
of stealing people’s ideas and passing them off as your own original work. Arguably,
referencing enhances your academic writings and assists your audiences by:
 Substantiating your ideas or claims
 Strengthening your academic argument and discussion
 Showing the extent of your research
 Enabling others to locate the sources you have cited in your work
 Allowing the reader to verify your data or information
 Avoiding plagiarism
 Giving credibility to your work.
Neville (2010, p.23) provides six knowledge-related reasons for referencing as follows:
 Facilitate the tracing of the origin of ideas
 Helps you build a web of ideas
 Supports your own voice in academic writing
 Validates arguments
 Helps to spread knowledge
 Acknowledges the work of others
You are required to read Neville (2010, pp. 22-28) for further understanding and
discussion of the above reasons. Neville (2010) argues that “knowing when to reference
is as important as understanding how to reference” (p.33). A reference is required in the
following situations:
 quote (use someone else’s exact words)
 copy (use figures, tables or structure)
 paraphrase (convert someone else’s ideas into your own words)
 Summarize (use a brief account of someone else’s ideas).
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There are also circumstances when referencing is not required. The following are
situations when referencing is not necessary:
• When presenting historical overviews

• When presenting your own experiences
• In conclusions, when you are repeating ideas previously referenced
• When summarizing what is regarded as “common knowledge”.
3.4 Citations
These are statements inserted within the text by clearly identifying the source (author
and year) in which the facts, ideas or arguments were found. The author’s surname and
year must be provided. The following are brief examples of citation statements:
 This idea was suggested by (Davies & Johnies, 2012).
 Owino and Kemboi (2012) concurs with the same idea…
 In 2012, Owino and Kemboi also stated that…
3.4.1 Direct quotations
When you directly quote an author, you need to put the exact words of the author in
quotation marks (or follow the rules for a block quotation). Include the exact spelling and
interior punctuation of the borrowed words. The author, year of publication, and page
number(s) or paragraph number for non-paginated materials are always included in the
text and references provided. An example of directly quoted brief citation statement is,
“economic value” (Kemboi, 2012, p. 52). That is, direct quotation must have the
surname, year, “idea/words” and page number. In direct quotation citations, you are
required not to alter the words; you must honestly write the way it is. There are two types
of direct quotations: regular and block quotation as described below.
3.4.1. 1 Regular Quotes

These are brief citations statements containing less than 40 words. For example:
McPherson (2007) coined the phrase “goblet of motivation” (p. 71).
When formulating regular quotes within your text, you are required to observe the
following:
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 Keep the author and year of publication together. You can also keep the author, year
of publication and page number together, e.g. McPherson (2007, p. 71) coined the
phrase “goblet of motivation”.
 Use quotation marks to identify the exact words of the author.
 Include the page number in parentheses immediately after the direct quote.
 Place the period after the parentheses.
3.4.1.2 Block Quotations
These are longer direct quotes citation statements containing of more than 40 words.
When formulating block quotes within your text, you are required to observe the
following:
 Indent the block quote five spaces or half an inch
 Do not use quotation marks.
 Double-space the quote unless your school has a rule about single spacing block
quotes.
 Do not include any additional lines or spaces before or after the block quote.
 Notice that in block quotes, the period goes before the parentheses, not after.
The following is an example of a direct quotation.
Students at Nova Southeastern University have faced challenges in learning how to use
APA formatting. When discussing the challenges, Strunk (1922) stated:
Use quotes around an article title or book chapter, but italicize the title of a book,
journal, brochure, or report when used in the body of the paper. Use a short title
in the parenthetical citation or complete title if the title is short. NOTE Non-
periodical titles like books and book titles have all the important words
capitalized in the text citations, but these same book titles do not have all the
important words capitalized in the reference list. (p.342)
Kamau (2001), however, says ….
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3.4.2 Paraphrased citations
Paraphrasing is used when you take someone else’s direct quote and state their idea in
your own words. Paraphrasing means that you express the author’s information or idea(s)
in your own words and give that person credit for that information or idea. Even in
paraphrasing, you are required to cite the author. In paraphrasing, you provide the
author’s surname, year and the idea e.g. Frankenstein and Steel (2006) reported that
empirical research verified compliance.
3.5 In text citation placement.
The citation statement can be appropriately placed at the beginning, middle or at end of
sentences as you continuously synthesize your work. The following are examples of
paraphrased citations statement indicating when the citations are either at the beginning,
middle or end of the sentence.
a) Beginning of sentence
Frankenstein and Steel (2006) reported that empirical research verified compliance.
b) Middle of sentence
After looking into the issue, Lynch and Jones (2007) stated that the findings were not
valid.
c) End of sentence
The report concluded were victims of cyberterrorism (Windhorst & Steel, 2008).
It is important to note that where the citation is placed within the text depends on whether
you want the author to be prominent or the idea to be prominent. The following is an
illustration of the author or idea/information prominent.
Firstly, to focus on the information from your source – ‘information prominent’, and
secondly, to focus on the author – ‘author prominent’, as shown below:
• Information prominent (the author(s) name is within parentheses):
The conclusion reached in a recent study (Jones & Wallace, 2007) was that…
OR
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• Author prominent (the author(s) name is outside the parentheses):
Jones and Wallace (2007) concluded that…
• Note that “and” is replaced by the ampersand sign (“&”) when the author(s)
and Year are both in brackets, e.g. (Jones & Wallace, 2012).
3.6 Secondary Referencing
There are times when you may want to cite an author’s idea from a secondary source, that
is, citing a source you have not read yourself, but which is referred to in a source you
have read. This is usually called ‘secondary referencing’. For example: As humans we
always “know more than we can tell” (Polanyi, 1966 as cited in Grant, 1996b). In the
references, you will provide references for Grant and not Polanyi. The references for this
citation will be as follows:
Grant, R. M. (1996b). Prospering in dynamically-competitive environments:
organizational capability as knowledge integration. Organization Science,
7 (4), 375-387.
The APA referencing style requires that you look for the original source so that you can
cite. It is always preferable to cite the original source.
3.7 References List
This is usually the alphabetical list of all the sources of you have consulted and cited
containing the detailed bibliographic details or elements provided at the end of the work.
It is commonly called ‘references’, it written as references and not reference list.
3.7.1 Compiling References
As you locate and access relevant information for an information task, such as an
assignment or a project, it is important to record bibliographic details or elements of these
sources. It is preferable to record this information as you collect and organize the
information you need for your assignments or project. This is because by the time you
actually write your essay, you may have returned the books you consulted and cited to the
library. If you obtained information from the internet you will also no longer have the
particular screen in front of you. When compiling the References, observe the following:
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 The references should appear at the end of your work on a separate page.
 It should be centered.
 Only include references you have cited in your work.
 All references should have a hanging indent. That is, all lines of a reference
subsequent to the first line should be indented. The hanging indentation is available
when using word under paragraph.
 In general, references should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the first
author of each work.
 When referring to Journal Titles, capitalize all major words (do not capitalize words
such as ‘of’, ‘and’, & ‘the’ unless they are the first word in the title).
 Example: Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness
 When referring to Books, Book Chapters, Article Titles or Web pages, capitalize only
the first letter of the first word of a title and subtitle, and proper nouns.
 Example: Aboriginals and the mining industry: Case studies of the Australian
experience
3.7.2 References of print book
For a book, the bibliographic details required include the following elements:
 Author(s) name(s) and initials
 Date of publication (usually just the year)
 Title of the book
 Edition( if not first edition)
 Place of publication(usually city or town)
 Publisher
The following bibliographic details are provided for a print book:

Author: Hassan, Khan and Anyang, Johnstone
Year of publication: 1998
Title of book: Information literacy
Edition: Fifth edition.
City: Nairobi
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Publisher: Macmillan
The references will be as follows:
Hassan, K., & Anyang, J. (1998). Information literacy (5th ed.). Nairobi: Macmillan
The ampersand sign (“&”) is used instead of the “and” in references.
3.7.3 References of journal article
A reference for journal article should include the following elements:

 Author(s) name(s) and initials
 Date of publication
 Title of article
 Title or name of the journal
 Journal volume and issue number
 Page numbers on which the article appears (remember to include the last page e.g.
340-350).
The following bibliographic details are provided for a journal article:

 Authors: Cindy O’Dell, & Catharine Hubert
 Year of publication:1998
 Title of Journal article: If only we knew what we know
 Name of Journal: California Management Review
 Volume 40 issue number 3
 Pages 154-174
The references for the journal article will be as follows:
O’Dell, C., & Hubert, C. (1998). If only we knew what we know: California
Management Review, 40(3), 154-174
On how to reference other sources such as e-books, websites, organizations, dictionaries
etc refer to the provided APA manual as indicated in list of suggested readinsgs.
3.8 Digital object identifier (doi)
The digital object identifier (doi) is a unique, permanent identifier assigned to many
electronic documents. This alphanumeric string is usually located on the first page with
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other referencing elements in both print and electronic articles. Because online materials
can potentially change URLs, APA recommends providing a doi, when it is available, as
opposed to URL. DOIs are an attempt to provide stable, long-lasting links for online
articles. If no doi is available for an electronic article, provide the URL information in the
reference. Some other resources, such as books, may also have dois, which should be
used where available. APA recommends that when DOIs are available, you include them
for both print and electronic sources.
3.9 References vs Bibliography
The list that contains bibliographic details of information sources that you have consulted
and cited in your text is called references. This is therefore a combined list of all the
sources cited in one document. This list is called a bibliography or a list of sources
consulted if you include sources you have consulted, but which you have not cited in
your text. A bibliography is also a list of recommended reading list of a specific subject.
The References or the Bibliography must be arranged alphabetically and must also have
the hanging indentation as per the APA referencing style.
3.10 Activities
1. Formulate direct quotation statements
2. Formulate paraphrased citation statements
Answer
1. McPherson (2007, p. 71) coined the phrase “goblet of motivation”.
2. McPherson (2007) concluded that the results were not valid.

a) Distinguish between citations, references and secondary referencing.
b)
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3.12 Summary
1. Referencing is essential in academic writings in order to acknowledge people whose

ideas have influenced your thinking and writing.
2. There are two types of citations, direct and paraphrased citations. In addition, you have
learnt that there are regular quotes and block quotations.
3. The difference between references and bibliography.
KCA University Library. (2012). APA referencing style guide as per the 6th edition of the
APA manual, 2010. Nairobi: KCA University Library
Lau, J. (2008).IFLA Publications: Information Literacy: International Perspectives. Berlin,

DEU: K. G. Saur Retrieved from www.ebrary.com
Neville, C. (2010). The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism (2nd ed.).
Maidenhead: Open University Press. Retrieved from www.ebrary.com
The University of Sydney. (2011). Your guide to APA 6th style referencing. Retrieved April 30, 2013
from http://sydney.edu.au/library/subjects/downloads/citation/APA%20Complete_2012.pdf
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LECTURE FOUR: INFORMATION SEARCH STRATEGIES
4.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on constructing effective search strategies. We shall begin this
lesson by defining searching. We will further explain the different search strategies that
can help find the most appropriate information for your needs.

1) To define searching and search strategy
2) To describe the various search strategies
3) To formulate effective search strategies that yield better results
4.3 Information Search Strategies
4.3.1 Definition of searching
This is the process of discovery that expands your knowledge and widens your views. It
is one of the creative aspects of research. It is important to know how to focus your
search to minimize the results and make it manageable. Search strategy is the overall plan to
solve an information problem. A search for information is always inspired by an information
need. Information searching is a high level cognitive process. It is directed by the information
problem, that is, a problem for which information could help find an answer. It has been argued
that information searching is the process in which people deliberately become involved in order
to alter their levels of knowledge. The prerequisite is a clear understanding of the reason why
information is being sought.
4.3.2 Boolean operators
Search statement is an instruction which gives the information system a command to create one
or more sets of retrieval records or results or hits. The aim of a literature search or information
search is to retrieve an acceptable number of relevant records, avoid irrelevant records and avoid
too many records. Always ensure that the search terms you use will yield useful and relevant
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information. The search terms are the keywords and phrase. Therefore, you need to interpret and
understand the topic in order to indentify keywords and phrases. The keyword searching-
searches the keywords in the title, abstract, subject heading or any term anywhere in the record.
You could restrict searches to the following fields: author, journal article, country of publication
and target group. To increase the number of relevant records that are retrieved, you could use the
Boolean operators and truncation.
Example: What is the topic of the task below?

• Brainstorm search terms for the information task below:
“Concerns about email security demand better programming, authenticated email
addresses and more caution from users”
What are the keywords and phrases?
• Keywords: email, security, programming ,caution, authentication
• Phrases: Internet security, electronic mail systems, software utilities
Boolean operators allow keywords to be connected to refine or broaden your results from
a search. In electronic search, it helps retrieve information which is more specific hence
more relevant to your needs. The idea of retrieving relevant information is to match your
information needs with the information that is available in the database or documents on
the web. Examples of Boolean operators are AND, OR & NOT.
• AND narrows your search results to those with the words computer and antibiotics
and mathematics
• Computer OR history or mathematics, Use OR to retrieve a set of information

containing one of the specified terms. It broadens your search results.
• Computer AND history NOT mathematics: Use NOT to exclude terms/keywords

from your search.
The following are illustrations of how to use the various connectors:
Using Boolean operators “AND”
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Using the Boolean operator “OR”
Using the Boolean operator “NOT”
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4.3.3 Truncation and Nesting
Truncation (*) allows multiple forms of search term e.g. environ* will return records
on environment, environments, environmental.
Nesting – organize your search e.g. (Economics or accounting) and ethics
4.4 Activities
1. Distinguish the different search strategies
2. Go to JSTOR and search using the different search strategies
3. Try the same on EMERALD, is there any difference?

1. When carrying out research, it is important to formulate an effective search
strategy that yields better and manageable results. With relevant
illustrations, describe how to formulate effective search strategies.
4.6 Summary
1. Formulating effective search strategies requires connectors, the boolean

operators.
2. It also requires that you formulate keywords and phrases

KCA University Library. (2013). E-resources. Available www.kca.ac.ke
Pretoria:Pearson
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LECTURE 5: ORGANIZATION AND LOCATION OF INFORMATION
5.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on organization and location of information from a resource
collection.

1) To locate information in a resource collection
2) To appreciate the purpose of the library catalogue (OPAC)
5.3 Organization and Location of Information from the Library

Skills in locating and retrieving information are important for you as a university student.
They are within the framework of all the information handling skills required for
information literacy. There are four activities phrased as questions that help you locate
relevant sources of information for the information task. The questions for the four
activities are:
i. How am I going to find sources in the resource collection?
ii. How does the retrieval system work?
iii. Where are the sources to be found in the collection?
iv. How do I find the information in these sources?
5.3.1 Finding Information in a Resource Collection
Knowledge of how to locate information in both print and electronic information sources
is important in your studies. Therefore as an information seeker you should be able to:
 Find the information desk

 Identify and locate different library collections
 Find an information source in the catalogue and on the library shelves
 Identify the elements used in a bibliographic record
 Use subject headings to find information sources on specific topics
 Interpret a bibliographic citation
Skills in finding relevant information for your specific information needs are an
important part of being information literate (UNISA, 2002). When you want to access to
a wide range of information sources –for example, a complicated information task like
assignment- you will need to use a information resources such as you can find in a
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library. Universities have libraries and so when you are given an assignment by a
lecturer, the library is a good place to start your search for information. You need to be
familiar with the regulations, layout and collections in your library for easy access. It is
important to know how to access the e-books if it is difficult to access the analogue
books. This is explained well under sources of information.
5.3.2 Library rules and regulations

Each library has its rules and regulations. For example, it is important for you to know
the opening hours. Library users are required to read the library rules that are provided on
the KCA University website for more information.
5.3.3 Library layout and organization
 Information desk: This is where you can ask a librarian for more information on
the library’s rules and regulations, layout and organization or available services.
The librarian at this desk is there to help you.
 Security checkpoint: This is an important point because it protects you and the
books and resources in the library. Here is where we have the turnstile and the
book detection system. Make sure that you have taken out your books according
to the library rules of the library, or they will stop you here.
 Circulation (issue/return) desk: This is where you go to borrow the sources for
example books you want to take with you. Usually, you need a library card (at
KCA, you need your current student ID) and any items you want to take out will
be issued to you against this card so that the library knows who has its books and
other sources. Usually there is date stamp in the sources you borrow so that you
know you need to return the materials to the library.
 Section for library catalogue: This is an area where you find the library
catalogue. However, the online catalogue is available via these URLs
www.kca.ac.ke or http://opac.library.kca.ac.ke
 Reference or study collection: There is usually a collection of books which
students use heavily for their assignments and these are placed in a reserve or
study collection (at KCA University library, they are called Main short Collection
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and are issued for 7 days). Clients may renew online books issued to them up to 2
times.
5.3.4 Classification System and the Catalogue

Libraries often store large numbers of books and other information sources. They
therefore need a method of organizing the material in such a way that people can find the
books or material they are looking for. One method of organizing material, such as
books, is to arrange it in alphabetical order according to the author’s name. Small
community libraries organize their fiction books in this way. However, this only works if
users know the author of the book they are looking for. Many people who use the library
look for information on a certain topic, such as the history of the Apartheid Era or AIDS
prevention, rather than a particular book by a certain author. They do not necessarily
know who wrote books on these topics. It is also convenient if all the sources on a certain
topic are kept together so that users can browse and then choose the sources that best
meet their needs. The method used by libraries to organize their material according to
subject is called a classification system. We have two commonly used classification
systems:
a) Dewey decimal classification system (DDC): According to this system the
universe of knowledge is divided into 10 main classes or categories and numbers
are assigned for each class.
b) Library of Congress (LC) classification system: This system combines letters

and numbers with each single letter denoting a main subject and double letters
indicating a subdivision of a main subject.
5.4.5 The Martin Oduor-Otieno Library Organization
The KCA University, the Martin Oduor-Otieno Library resources are organized
according to the Library of Congress (LC) classification scheme. The system divides all
knowledge into twenty-one basic classes, each identified by a single letter of the
alphabet. Most of these alphabetical classes are further divided into more specific
subclasses, identified by two-letter, or occasionally three-letter, combinations. For
example, class T, Technology, has subclasses TK, Electrical engineering. Electronics.
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Nuclear engineering; TS, Manufactures etc. Call numbers are placed on the spines of
books and are included in library catalog records. Books are arranged on the shelves in
order by call number.
Library of Congress Classes

A -- GENERAL WORKS
B -- PHILOSOPHY. PSYCHOLOGY. RELIGION
C -- AUXILIARY SCIENCES OF HISTORY
D -- WORLD HISTORY AND HISTORY OF EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA,
AUSTRALIA, NEW- ZEALAND, ETC.
E -- HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS
F -- HISTORY OF THE AMERICAS
G -- GEOGRAPHY. ANTHROPOLOGY. RECREATION
H -- SOCIAL SCIENCES
J -- POLITICAL SCIENCE
K -- LAW
L -- EDUCATION
M -- MUSIC AND BOOKS ON MUSIC
N -- FINE ARTS
P -- LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
Q -- SCIENCE
R -- MEDICINE
S -- AGRICULTURE
T -- TECHNOLOGY
U -- MILITARY SCIENCE
V -- NAVAL SCIENCE
Z -- BIBLIOGRAPHY. LIBRARY SCIENCE. INFORMATION RESOURCES
(GENERAL)
The above organization is used in all academic libraries in Kenya. The above system is
used in almost all large libraries in the world. It’s a requirement in Kenya that university
libraries must use LC.
5.4.6 Finding Books by Call Numbers

Call numbers are used by libraries to arrange books by subject and to indicate where they
are located on the shelves. A call number is like an address. Call numbers appear: on the
spines of books and in the online catalogue. The call number is the actual location of the
book on the shelf. The following are how books are arranged on the shelf.
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Furthermore, you are required to use the handout on “finding books by call number”
available on the website.
5.4.7 Library catalogue (OPAC)
A computerized library catalogue is known as online public access catalogue (OPAC).

The catalogue is a logically arranged list of all the sources in a library’s collection and
that it has a very specific purpose.
5.4.7.1 The purpose of the Catalogue (OPAC)

The purposes of the catalogue are the following:
 To find out what items the library owns on your topic.
 To find where a specific item is located in the library.
 To find out what issues of a periodical the library owns or provides access to.
 To renew books on loan to you.
 To place a hold, recall or request.
 Check your loan history.
All the pertinent information is displayed in the detailed OPAC (Online Public Access
catalogue) record. In addition to the author, title, publishing information and subject
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headings, the detailed record gives you the call number, library location, holdings and
information about the availability of the item.
If you enter words as a Title search, the computer will look only in the title fields of all
the records in the database. It will try to match the words in your title search against the
titles in the database's records. Similarly, an Author search looks only in the author field,
and a Subject search looks only in the subject-heading field. But... a Keyword search
looks for words in any field in the record. It is the broadest search.
5.4.8 Library Collections
The information sources in your library could be arranged in separate collections

according to forms or according to their purpose. For example reference sources differ
from other information sources as they are intended to be consulted for a specific item of
information and are not meant to be read from page one to last. Some other collections
that are found in a library are the following:
 Reserve collection (short loan)

 Periodical Collection (Magazines & Journals):
 Electronic collection (eBooks & e-journals):
 CD-ROM collections:
 Reference collection (dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps and atlases etc.)
 General collection (main long)
5.5 Activities
1. What is a catalogue?
2. Visit your library OPAC and search books of interest? What is their
location? The URL is http://opac.library.kca.ac.ke/

1. What is the advantage of knowing the classification system that the library
uses?
2. Outline the main purpose of the OPAC?
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5.7 Summary
1. The library uses a specific classification system to arrange books by subject.

2. The online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC), is a logically arranged list of
all the information sources available in the library collection.

Pretoria:Pearson
Burkhardt, J.M. & MacDonald, M. C. (2010). Teaching Information Literacy: 50
Standards-Based Exercises for College Students (2nd ed.). Chicago, IL,
USA: American Library Association Editions Retrieved from
http://site.ebrary.com/lib/kcau/home.action
KCA University Library. (2013). Collections. Retrieved on 30th July 2013 from
www.kca.ac.ke
KCA University Library. (2013). Downloads. Retrieved on 30th July 2013 from
www.kca.ac.ke
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LECTURE SIX: EVALUATION OF INFORMATION AND INFORMATION

SOURCES
6.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on evaluation of information sources. We shall begin the study of
this lesson by understanding the basic concepts. We will further explain the criteria used
to judge the quality of information and sources of information.

1) To define the concept evaluation
2) To describe the criteria for evaluation of information sources
6.3 Evaluation of Information Sources
Evaluating is to determine significance or worth by careful appraisal and study.

Evaluating information can be a complicated process. Since there is plenty of information
available that is inaccurate, fraudulent or biased, it is important to determine if the
sources you find are factual and verifiable. Items in the library are usually easier to
evaluate because they have already been reviewed by the time you see them. First, an
editor verifies that the information is accurate and then a librarian determines whether the
item is appropriate for the collection. Freely available web sources usually do not pass
through this review process, so you will need to look at these items more closely.
6.3.1 Criteria for judging information source
To judge or determine if a source is appropriate for your research, observe the following
criteria:
6.3.1.1 Author Expertise
Does the author have the expertise to write on this topic?
Determine the expertise of authors by investigating their educational background, work

experience and other writings. To find this information, you might have to look in several
places.
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6.3.1.2 Date
Is the information on this source up to date?

The accuracy of your source may be affected by the date it was published. Some ideas
once believed to be true were later disproved by new discoveries. Fields such as medicine
or law might require more time-sensitive information than fields like philosophy or
history. The currency of a Web page can be important as well. Information that changes
frequently, such as stock quotes and news events, should be found on pages that are
updated regularly. Some sites may not be updated, such as personal pages or government
reports, either because they contain information that doesn't change or due to poor site
maintenance.
6.3.1.3 Publisher
Does the publisher affect the information in the source?

Publishers may have their own agendas when they choose to publish books and
magazines. For example, they may hire authors whose writing reflects the values of their
publishing company. On the Web, larger organizations usually sponsor pages by
providing space on their computers. These organizations may have policies about the
types of information that can be published on their servers, but often do not monitor what
individuals write.
Your task is to identify the publisher of the source and determine whether the publisher's
policies or bias influence the information. To help you decide, consider the following:
 When using a magazine or journal article, see if that periodical has a statement of
the objective inside the front or back cover.
 When using a book, consider whether the publisher is an academic press, a
reputable commercial publisher or an unknown publisher that may require further
evaluation.
 When using a Web source, look for a logo or link back to the home page to read
the mission statement.
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 Do advertisements take up a significant portion of the source? Many Web

designers rent space on their pages and have little control over the advertisements
that appear. Others may advertise their own products on their pages.
 If you are having a difficult time identifying the publisher of a Web page, remove
the file name from the URL to determine the sponsoring organization's Web site.
6.3.1.4 Reviews
What do reviews say about this source?
Since you can't be knowledgeable about every subject, you may need to rely on the
opinions of analysts and experts. These people have read many articles and books in their
field and often have practical experience. Though you may not agree with their
conclusions, using their experience will help you evaluate your sources.
6.3.1.5 Content
Is this source appropriate for your assignment or research?

Remember that all sources should contain well-supported arguments and valid research.
Since it is easy to falsify information on the Web, you should look closely at the sources
you select online.
 Check how statistics and facts were collected and to whom they are attributed.
Everything should be referenced with a source.
 Think about the intended audience, whether the author was aiming at a general
audience or a specialized one. Evaluate whether the language is highly technical or
too elementary for your needs.
 Assess the scope of the resource. Is it meant to be an overview or present an in-depth
focus on one aspect of your topic?
 Look at the variety of the resources you have chosen to ensure that they include
different viewpoints and support your argument. Explore primary as well as
secondary sources and investigate multimedia resources.
 Judge whether the source is factual or an opinion piece.
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 Determine whether the source is popular or scholarly. Make sure you are using the
appropriate type of source for your assignment.
6.4 Activities
1. Apply the criteria you just learned about to evaluate websites.

1. Explain the criteria used to judge the quality of information sources.
2. Discuss the need to teach students on how to evaluate information sources
available from the free web.
6.6 Summary
1. Knowing the criteria for evaluating information sources is important in your

studies.

Judd, V.C., Farrow,L.I., & Tims, B.J. (2006). Evaluating public web site
information: A process and an instrument. Reference Services Review,
34 (1), 12-32
Rockman, I.F (2005). Evaluate that information. Reference Services Review, 33
(4), 369-370
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LECTURE SEVEN: SYNTHESIZING ASSIGNMENTS AND RESEARCH

REPORTS
7.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on writing assignments. We shall begin the study of this lesson by
understanding the basic concepts. We will further describe the contents of essay
assignments.

1) To define synthesizing
2) To know how to synthesize a world –class essay assignment.
7.3 Synthesizing assignments and research reports
Assignments offer an excellent opportunity to use a variety of resources to collect

information, reflect on your work and edit until you are satisfied with the end product.
When you write research reports you share your knowledge, your solutions to problems
that may influence the life of other people.
7.3.1 Synthesizing the Information
Only after you have evaluated the retrieved information can you start to build it into an
answer to the problem. Building the information into an answer to the problem is called
synthesizing. Synthesizing means putting all the relevant information together by
combining, merging, and blending it. You package it into a new information product- the
completed information task. This synthesized information, which you have retrieved,
evaluated, and repacked into a new information source, that is, your assignment which
answers an information problem.
7.3.2 Present the information task (e.g. writing the essay)
You need to have an outline. Your outline is your blueprint from which you work. Now
you apply the information to your draft. Using each heading or subheading as a guideline,
you compose paragraphs which include the relevant information in detail under these
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headings. You have an indication of what this information is (or which source contains
it), so you can start presenting the information task. Below is a sample of an outline.
Title
1 Introduction
2 Main Topic
2.1 Sub Topic
2.1.1 Key point
2.1.2 Key point
2.2 Sub Topic
2.2.1 Key Point
2.2.2 Key Point
3 Main Topic
3.1 Sub Topic
4 Conclusion
REFERENCES
7.3.3 What is the best way to present the synthesized information?
The choice of the form was determined by the requirements of the task. For an essay
assignment (or a term paper), it has specific requirements. It should have:
 Table of contents
 Text starts with an introduction
 Main discussion(BODY) takes place under several headings and subheadings
 You include citations for the information sources you used
 The essay ends with a conclusion
 You finish with a list of sources cited( References)
7.3.4 Appraise the Completed Task
After you have finished writing, your task appears complete – but you still need to step
back from the product and assess what you have done. This is an important metacognitive
phase of the information handling process. You will ask the following questions:
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1. Is there any part of the task, which seems incomplete?

Now that you have finished writing, how do you feel about the task? Compare the
product with the initial instructions. Read the complete task; ask yourself the whole
time whether this answers the information problem, which was inherent in the
instructions. Does the task cover the main aspects which you initially identified and
all those which became evident during retrieval and synthesizing?
2. What should I do to improve it?
If there are gaps or sections which are too superficial, you might need to return to the
retrieval stage to retrieve additional information.
3. How has doing this task helped me?
If you completed the assignment successfully, there would be at least four main
outcomes.
 You have increased your knowledge base
 You have demonstrated your ability to apply information handling skills
successfully
 You have provided a solution to an information problem and this can be of
assistance to other people that might have similar problem.
 Fourth, your completed information task becomes a new information source. You
have created an information product, which can be used by others to increase their
knowledge.
7.4 Activities
1. Describe the contents of a world-class essay assignment.

a) Define the following terms and state why it is useful to be knowledgeable
on these skills in your university education and professional life.
(i) Evaluating information sources
(ii) Appraise and synthesizing
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7.6 Summary
1. It is critically important to evaluate information no matter what the source of
information.
2. Despite these diverse and varied choices, it is still important to evaluate the
purpose, credibility, authority, relevance, accuracy, timeliness, and quality of
the information using sound criteria.

Judd, V.C., Farrow,L.I., & Tims, B.J. (2006). Evaluating public web site
information: A process and an instrument. Reference Services
Review,34 (1), 12-32
Rockman, I.F (2005). Evaluate that information. Reference Services Review, 33
(4), 369-370
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LECTURE EIGHT: PLAGIARISM
8.1 Introduction
Welcome to the lecture on plagiarism. We shall begin the study of this lesson by
highlighting the meaning of plagiarism. We will further explain the different types of
plagiarism and strategies on how to avoid committing plagiarism.

1) To define plagiarism as used in academic writings
2) To describe the different types of plagiarism
3) To explain the strategies of avoiding plagiarism in academic writings
8.3 Plagiarism
8.3.1 Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking words, ideas and thoughts of others and passing them off
as your own (University of South Africa 2009, p.67). It is theft, being academically
dishonest and academic misconduct. Plagiarism is the act of presenting the words or
ideas of someone else as your own without proper acknowledgment of the source. The
term source includes not only books, periodicals and websites, but also lecture notes,
drawings, films and other formats of information, such as computer programs, music and
graphics. If you do not credit the author, you are committing theft. Plagiarist is someone
who uses another person’s words or ideas as if they were his own.
Plagiarism includes presenting work for assessment, publication, or otherwise, that

includes:
(a) Phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs or longer extracts from published or
unpublished work (including from the Internet) without appropriate acknowledgement of
the source; or
(b) The work of another person, without appropriate acknowledgement of the source and
presented in a way that exceeds the boundaries of legitimate cooperation.
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Be aware that plagiarism includes much more than just copying someone's work. Though
it may be unintentional, quoting, paraphrasing or adapting material, and presenting
someone else's idea, opinion, or theory as your own, are all examples of plagiarism.
Remember that ethical scholarship demands that you acknowledge the original author.
Plagiarism ranges from copying word-for-word to paraphrasing a passage without credit
and changing only a few words. Plagiarism is grossly unfair because it deprives students
becoming more independent thinkers. It allows cheats and lazy students to prosper. It
makes academic assessment meaningless and undermines the whole purpose of
education. Students should note that plagiarism may result in prosecution. It also
undermines the efforts made by students because the plagiarizing of the literature
prevents them from developing as researchers.
8.3.2 Types of Plagiarism
Cheating: Examples of cheating are where students borrow, purchase or otherwise obtain
work composed by others and summit it under their own names (Howard, 1995).
Paraphrasing: This amounts to rendering or reproducing a text in other words. This can
be done by changing the word order of the text, its syntax (sentence types) and the
author’s style. In most cases students substitute with appropriate synonyms. It may also
be called insufficient paraphrasing.
Patch- writing: This is the notorious (cut and paste) method where chunks of other
people’s works are artfully blended with the student’s own words and phrases to produce
text.
Non-attribution of sources: This is the failure to reference, when a student copies word
for word from another’s work but fails to acknowledge the original author
Self- plagiarism: It is when an author re-uses his/her own material without citing
himself/herself but passing it on as new information. This may also be referred to as
duplication of publications.
8.3.3 Tips on how to avoid plagiarism
(i) Use your own ideas — they should be the focus of your paper.
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(ii) Rely on the ideas of others sparingly, only to support or reinforce your own
argument; be certain to document the sources.
(iii) Take careful notes when doing research and include complete citation information for
each item you use.
(iv) Use quotation marks when directly stating another person's words and give credit in
the text.
(v) Credit the original author, even if paraphrasing.
(vi) Cite Internet based works, whether in the public domain or part of the invisible Web.
(vii) Avoid cut and paste at all costs
(viii) To avoid committing plagiarism when using word-for-word (verbatim)
quotations, you have to make sure that:
 The quotation is not too long
 The passage or phrase is copied exactly as it was written originally
 Passages, phrases and words are placed in quotation marks
 The source is cited, the page must be given.
8.4 Activities
1. List four types of plagiarism.
2. Which type (s) of plagiarism is commonly practiced by young scholars
Answers
1) Four types of plagiarism:
a. Cheating
b. Paraphrasing
c. Non-attribution
d. Patch- writing
e. Self-plagiarism

1. Discuss plagiarism and state your opinion on how to avoid plagiarism in
the academic world.
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8.6 Summary
1. Plagiarism is an offence in academic writings and is regarded as academic

misconduct that is punishable.
2. Someone who commits plagiarism is a plagiarist.
3. When in doubt, cite.

Neville, C. (2010). The complete guide to referencing and avoiding plagiarism
(2nd ed.). Maidenhead: Open University Press. Retrieved from
www.ebrary.com
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APPENDIX I: APA REFERENCING STYLE GUIDE AS PER THE 6TH

EDITION OF THE APA MANUAL, 2010
This referencing guide for KCA University students developed in reference to the
American Psychological Association (APA), 6th edition, 2010.
The following are general considerations when compiling the references.
Start the reference list on a new page, with the word “References” at the top and must be
centered.
 Use “hanging indent”, that is, the first line is flush along the left margin and the
subsequent lines.
 Book titles and journal articles should be in italics when typed or underline if
handwritten
 The date is the year of publication, not printing
 For books, the edition is only indicated if it is not first edition
 The place of publication is the town or city, not the country
 Journal titles should be given in full, not abbreviated
 Do not put a full stop after a website URL
 Be consistent in formatting and punctuation
 If the towns of publication are more than one, take the first town.
 All references are double-spaced within and between references. Therefore, do
not add extra blank lines between entries
 URL/web addresses must not be underlined (even though software will
automatically underline). Remove the underline; however, the URL should
remain as active links.
 When an article is assigned a DOI, the APA standard requires that researchers and
students indicate the DOI
Abbreviations as per APA requirements in the References
Chapter Chap.
Edition ed.
Editor or editors Ed. Or Eds.
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No date n.d.
Number No.
Page p.
Pages pp.
Part Pt.
Revised edition Rev.ed.
Second editon 2nd ed.
Supplement Suppl.
Translated by Trans.
Volume Vol. (as in Vol.5)
Volumes Vols. (as in 5 vols)
Use of Capital letters

In the text
Capitalize major words and all other words of four letters or more, in headings, titles, and
subtitles outside reference lists, for instance, “A Study of No-Way Strategies”
In the reference
 Titles of books, chapters, articles, only capitalize the first word of the title, the
first word of the subtitle, and proper names
 For periodical titles, capitalize the first, last and all principal words
 For conference proceedings, the name of the conference and symposium should
be capitalized.
In –text citations
These are brief citations inserted within the text. The author’s surname and year must be
provided. However, with direct quotation, the page numbers must also be given.
 This idea was suggested by (Davies & Johnies, 2012)
 Owino and Kemboi (2012) concurs with the same idea
 In 2012, Owino and Kemboi also stated that.
Note that “and” is replaced by the ampersand sign (“&”) when the author(s) and Year are
both in brackets, e.g. (Davies & Johnies, 2012).
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Quotations in the text

Direct quotations of less than 40 words should be included in the text and the quotation
must be enclosed in double quotation marks as shown below:
“Tacit knowledge is knowledge that resides in mind of the knower” (Kemboi, 2012, p.5).
Kemboi (2012 defines tacit knowledge as “knowledge that resides in mind of the
knower” (p.5).
Books with Single Author
Format Author’s Surname, Initials. (Date of publication). Title (Edition, if not the
first). Place of publication: Publisher
The title of the book should be in italics when typed and when
handwritten, it should be underlined (so in exams you are required to
underline the title).
Example: Mishkin, F.S. (2010).The economics of money, banking and financial
markets (9th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education
In text Beginning of sentence: Mishkin (2010)
citation: End of sentence: (Mishkin, 2010)
With Direct Quotation: Mishkin (2010, p.15) e.g. “tacit knowledge”
With Direct Quotation: Mishkin (2010) e.g. “tacit knowledge” (p.15)
Books with Multiple Authors

Format 2-6 Authors:
1st Author’s Surname, Initials, & 2nd Author’s Surname, Initials. (Date of
Publication). Title (Edition, if not the first). Place of publication: Publisher.
1st Author’s Surname, Initials, 2nd Author’s Surname, Initials. 3rd Author’s
Surname, Initials, 4th Author’s Surname, 5th Author’s Surname, Initials, &
6th Author’s Surname, Initials. (Date of Publication). Title (Edition, if not
the first). Place of publication: Publisher.
Examples: Kemboi, C.K., & Owino, E. (2010).The economics of information (10th
ed.). Nairobi: KCA University
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Kamau, J.K., Rotich, A., Wanyama, K. & Odongo, J.K. (2009).

Information technology (4th ed.). Kitale:Longman
In text 2 authors:
citation: Beginning of a sentence: Kemboi and Owino (2010)
End of sentence: (Kemboi & Owino, 2010)
3-6 authors
Name all the authors in the first citation. Starting with the second reference,
name only the first author, then add “et al.”
 First citation: Kamau, Rotich, Wanyama and Odongo (2009)
 Subsequent citations: Kamau et al. (2009) or (Kamau et al., 2009)
6-7 authors:
For all in-text references, list only the first author’s family name followed
by ‘et al.’ All authors are included in the Reference List.
 (Stoner et al., 2003) or Stoner et al. (2003)
More than 8 authors

For all in-text references, list only the first author’s family name followed
by ‘et al.’ In the Reference List, include the first six authors’ names, then
insert three ellipsis points (...), and add the last author’s name.
Books with Corporate Author

When the author is a corporate organization such as government bodies, companies,
professional bodies and institutions. The corporate name becomes the author.
Format Name of the corporate author. (Date). Title (Edition, if not the first). Place
of publication: Publisher
Use the word “author” for the publisher, if author and publisher are the
same.
Example: Association of chartered certified accountants. (2010).The economics of
money, banking and financial markets. London: Author
In the text: (Association of chartered certified accountants (ACCA), 2010)
(ACCA, 2010)
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Books without an Author

Format Name of the corporate author. (Date). Title (Edition, if not the first). Place
of publication: Publisher
Use the word “author” for the publisher, if author and publisher are the
same.
Example: Association of chartered certified accountants. (2010).The economics of
money, banking and financial markets. London: Author
In text (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants , 2010)
citation: (ACCA, 2010)
Books without an author

There are some information sources that do not have authors such as dictionaries and
reference books.
Format Title (edition, if not first). (Date). Place of publication: Publisher
Example Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (14th ed.) (2002). Springfield,
MA:Merriam-Webster
In the text: (Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary, 2002)
Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary ( 2002)
Edited books
Format Ist Editor’s Surname, initials, & 2nd Editor’s Surname, initials. (Eds.).
(Year of publication). Title (edition, if not the first). Place of publication:
Publisher
Example Mudida, K., Otuto,G., & Kuto,S. (Eds.). (2006). Cases and texts in
strategic management (4th ed.). Nairobi: Longman
Book chapter from edited works

Format Contributing author’s surname, initials. (date of publication). Title of
chapter. In initials Surname of editor(s)(Ed.) or (Eds), Title of book (page
numbers). Place of publication: Publisher
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Example Kamau, E. (2007). International organizations. In K.A. Greenstone (Ed.),

Annual review of management (pp.70-90). Nairobi: Longman
Electronic books
Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Date of publication). Title. (Edition, if not the
first). Place of publication: Publisher. Retrieved day month, year, from
website URL
Example Saunders, M., Lewis,P., & Thornhill, A. (2007). Research methods for
business students (4th ed.). Harlow:Pearson. Retrieved 24 October, 2012,
from http://www.myilibrary.com?id=177101
Electronic book retrieved from Springer eBook Collection
Sternad, D. (2011). Strategic Adaptation Cross-Cultural Differences in

Company Responses to an Economic Crisis. Retrieved from
http://www.springerlink.com
Electronic version of book chapter from an edited book
Symonds, P. M. (1958). Human drives. In C. L. Stacey & M. DeMartino (Eds.),

Understanding human motivation (pp. 11-22). doi:10.1037/11305-002
Printed Journal Articles

The rules that apply on how to cite books with multiple authors also apply for journal
articles and other types of materials
Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Year of journal publication). Title of article.
Title of journal, volume number (issue number),page numbers of article
Example Cheruiyot, C.K., Jagongo, A., & Owino, E.O. (2012). Institutionalization
of knowledge management in manufacturing enterprises in Kenya:
a case of selected enterprises. International journal of business
and social science, 3(10), 127-138
Electronic Journal Articles

Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Year of journal publication). Title of article.
Title of journal, volume number (issue number), page numbers of article.
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doi (if doi is assigned)

Example Casimir, G., Lee, K., & Loon, M. (2012).Knowledge sharing: influences
of trust,
commitment and cost. Journal of Knowledge Management,16(5),740-753.
doi: 10.1108/13673271211262781
Print Newspaper and Magazine Articles

Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Year, month day). Title of article. Title of
Newspaper, page numbers of article.
If no author, then provide:
Full title of article. (Year, month day). Title of Newspaper, page numbers
of article
Example Juma, V. (2012, October 10). Nation third best firm to work for in Kenya. Business
Daily. P.9
Githae should cast tax net wider for fairness sake. (2012, October 24).Business Daily.
p.10
Electronic Newspapers and Magazine Articles

Example Juma, V. (2012, October 10). Nation third best firm to work for in Kenya. Business
Daily. Retrieved from www.bdafrica.com
Githae should cast tax net wider for fairness sake. (2012, October 24).Business Daily.
Retrieved from www.bdafrica.com
Conference Papers and Proceedings

 Capitalize the name of the conference
 Treat regularly published proceeding as journals
Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Year of publication). Title of Conference
paper. In initials. Surname of editor of proceedings (Ed.), Title of
conference proceedings (page numbers of contribution).Place of
publication: Publisher
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Regularly published:
Author, Initials. (Date of publication). Title of conference paper. Title of
proceedings, volume number, page numbers.
Example Stilwell, C & Hoskins, R. (2012). Choice and sustainability of integrated
library management systems in South Africa. B.Omondi and
C.Onyango (Eds.), SCECSAL 2012 (pp. 4-23). Nairobi: Kenya
Library Association
Conference Kemboi, C.K. (2012, July). Institutionalization of Knowledge
Presentation Management in Manufacturing Enterprises in Kenya: The
Slides Librarian as the Chief Knowledge Officer (PowerPoint slides).
Paper presented at the 11th CALA Annual Conference, Mombasa,
Kenya. Retrieved from http://41.89.49.249:8282/jspui
Dissertations and Theses

Format Author’s Surname, initials. (Year of publication). Title. Unpublished
masters thesis, awarding institution.
Example of Kubwa, A.B. (2011). Enrollment management and its contribution to
unpublished student success: a case study of Strathmore University, Kenya.
thesis Unpublished masters thesis, KCA University, Nairobi
Example of Kemboi, C.K. (2011). Institutionalization of knowledge management in
thesis manufacturing enterprises in Kenya: a case study of selected
available in companies. (Masters thesis). Retrieved from
Institutional http://41.89.49.249:8282/jspui
Repository
Information from Websites
When citing websites the date of retrieval is included because "the source material
changes over time" (Manual, p. 192, and apastyle.org).
Web page Author’s Surname, initials. (Date). Title of page or internet document.
with author Retrieved day month, year, from web URL
Format
Web page Full title of page. (Date). Retrieved day month, year, from web URL
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without
author
Example Persons as authors
Kamau, K. (2010). Corporate social investment. Retrieved January 12,
2010, from www.tuskys.com
Organization as author
Tuskys. (2010). Corporate social investment. Retrieved January 12, 2010,
from www.tuskys.com
Citing two or more works by the same creator within the same year of publication
Format First work:
Author’s Surname, Initials. (Date of publication + a). Title (Edition, if not
the first). Place of Publisher: Publisher
Second work, e.g a journal article
Author’s Surname, Initials. (Year of Journal +b). Title of article. Title of
journal , volume number (issue number), page numbers of article
If there is a third one add c (Year +c)
However, notice that you do not write +
Examples Owino, E. (2012a)
Owino, E. (2012b)
Citations Owino, (2012a)
Owino, (2012b)
Secondary Referencing
The secondary source is listed in the reference list. However, in the text, give the
primary work, and write the citation for the secondary source:
In the text in Kamau’s study (as cited in Rotich , 2012)
Reference Rotich, A. (2012). Innovation strategies. Entrepreneurship and
management Journal, 7 (9), 123-157
Example As humans we always “know more than we can tell” (Polanyi, 1966 as
cited in Grant, 1996b)
Reference Grant, R. M. (1996b). Prospering in dynamically-competitive
environments: organizational capability as knowledge integration.
Organization Science, 7 (4), 375-387.
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In text Examples include the situational leadership theory which dates back to
1924 when Follet (as cited in House & Aditya, 1997)
citation
Reference House R. J. & Aditya R.N. (1997). The Social Scientific Study of
leadership: Quo Vadis? Journal of Management, 23(3), 409-473.
Further Reading/Bibliography
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association (6th ed.). London: Author
Strahan, M. (2012). APA reference style guide. Olson Library. Retrieved September 12,
2012,
from http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/style_apa.htm#withDOI
Disclaimer
The examples used may not be works that actually exist.
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APPENDIX II: Format for writing World-Class Essay Assignments/Term Papers
A world-class essay assignment/term paper should be structured in the following format:

 Cover page (name,student no, courrse, unit code, unite name,university,
month/year)
 Table of contents
 Introduction
 Body conclusion
 References
The following is the explanation of the various components.

1 Table of Contents
The table of contents includes all the headings and subheadings used in the essay.Usually
headings are numbered using roman numbers (1,2,3,) while subheadings are indicated by
using the main numbers plus a decimal point( 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, ......). Learn how to do it in
automatic.
Example of a Table of Contents
History of Numbers
1 Introduction
2 Symbolisation
3 Origin of Numbers
3.1 Middle East
3.1.1 Mesopotamia
3.1.2 Egypt
3.2 China
3.3 Greece
4 Numerical systems
4.1 Egyptian numerical system
4.2 Mesopotamian Numerical system
5 Conclusion
References
2 Introduction
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The indroduction leads readers into the direction the subject and points them in a specific
direction. The introduction should contain a focus statement. This statement should
contain the central idea that will be developed in the essay.
The introduction can be divided into two sections:
 An outline of the topic being discussed: this briefly introduces the reader to the topic
and identifies the main issues and problematic aspects of the topic.
 An indication of the direction the discussion will take.
Here are some hints that may be helpful

 In an opening sentence, introduce the general subject of the essay or assignment
 Give the reader an indication of what is intended by briefly writing what the line of
argument will be, or the perspectives from which the problem will be examined.
 Indicate the order in which the discussion will be presented to enable the reader to
anticipate what you plan to show or argue or discuss. For example, I shall first look
at......
 Try create interest, for example, begin with a controversial statement
 Give any background information the reader needs to understand. Sometimes it may
just be a recap of what even the reader knows, however, it establishes a common
ground of understanding between you and your audience.
 Keep the introduction short and to the point
 The introduction should contain a focus statement that tell the reader quickly and
concisely what your ideas are. For example, the purpose of thi study is to establish the
relationship between the distance a person is from a library and their usage of the
library.
Example of an Introduction
Topic: Evaluation of information from the internet.
Background information: With the advent of the internet large amounts of information
have become available at the push of a button. However, there is no controlling body that
evaluates information before placing it on the internet. Many people, companies and
associations place information on the internet for a variety of reasons: some to inform but
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others to misinform or to sell products. Therefore one has to be wary when obtaining
information from the internet.
Focus Statement: Information obtained from the internet using a search engine such as
google needs to be evaluated for accuracy.
What the essay will cover: In this essay I will be discussing the various ways in which
information can be evaluated so as to ensure the information is reliable. I will also give
examples to illustrate my discussion.
3 Body
The middle section of the essay is usually called the body. You do not use the word
‘body’ as a heading in the essay. In the body of the essay you explain, illustrate or discuss
the topic. You will give supporting evidence for what you have asserted in the
introduction. The body can be didvided into as many parts or sections as are necessary. In
an acedemic essay you use headings and subheadings and subheadings to indicate
different divisions or aspects of the topic. This helps you to structure your arguments
systematically.
4 Conclusion
A conclusion is written at the end of the essay. It is relatively short and states the
implications of the discussion, links the discussion to broader issues and summarises the
most important points in the text. You should use words to indicate you are ending, such
as ‘finally’, ‘thus’, ‘to summarise’. A good conclusion leaves the reader feeling that
everything promised in the introduction has been said.
A conclusion may:
 Summarise the main or points made in the esay
 Interpret the discussion or explain why the discusion is important and what it suggests
 Take the reader from the particular to the general
 A conclusion should never contain any new material that has not already been
mentioned in the essay.
5 References
Academic essays in which you are writing up information usually require in text
citations and references. You must include all the sources that you ahve cited in your
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essay in this list of references. There are various methods of listing these sources, e.g
Harvard, APA and others. At KCA University, you are required to use APA (American
Psychological Association), unless advised otherwise. The references must be arranged
alphabetically hanging indentation. An example of references as per APA format is as
shown below:
REFERENCES
Meyer, J.N., & Rowan, B. (1977). Institutionalized organizations: Formal structures as
myth and ceremony. American Journal of Psychology, 83, 440-463
O’Dell,C., & Hubert, C, (2011). The New Edge in Knowledge: How Knowledge
management is changing the way, we do business.USA: John Wiley
Sandhawalia, B.S & Dalcher, D. (2011). .Developing knowledge management
capabilities: a structured approach. Journal of Knowledge Management, 15 (2),
313 – 328
Some tips on how to use books for your studies

 Begin by looking at the table of contents to get an overview of what is covered in the
book
 If you are using a textbook for your studies it is also a good idea to quickly read the
preface or introduction. These can give you an idea of how the book is laid out and
the purpose of the book.
 It is also a good idea to check the index at the back of the book if you are consulting
the book for a specific purpose. This will direct you to the specific pages where the
topic you are interested is discussed.
 The reference list or bibliography at the end of the book may also be helpful for
finding additional sources.
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APPENDIX III: CITING OTHER PEOPLES’S WORK
In-text Citations, useful expressions that can help you when synthesizing ideas
a) When introducing someone’s ideas:
Owino and Kemboi (2012) suggests/argues/states/believes/concludes/proposes that.......
,, expresses/holds the view that....
,, draws attention to......
,, describes xyx as....
,, refers to …
,, takes the stance that .....
,, emphasises/stresses the need to/ the importance of ......
According to Kemboi (2012)...
As stated/ sugessted/argued/proposed by Rotich (2003)....
There is a view/theory/argument that...... (Cheruiyot, Jagongo & Owino, 2012)
However, Cheruiyot, Jagongo and Owino (2012) postulates that.....
One view/theory/argument/suggestion/proposal is that.... (Kamau & Wanjala, 2012)
One view, expressed by Kemboi (2012) is that ......
b) Introducing an idea/theory that agrees with/ built on another:
This is supported by Jones (2007).
This is in line with the view/theory/suggestion of Jones (2007).
This reflects the view/theory/suggestion of Jones (2007).
Muchiri (2012) accepts/supports/agrees with/concurs with this view/suggestion/theory
A similar view is held by Onyango (2011)
This idea/theory has been extended/developed/taken further/built by Owino (2012)
c) Introducing an idea/theory that disagrees/contrasts with another
This conflicts/contrasts with/is contrary to the view held by Kemboi (2012) that....
This is not accepted by/has been challenged by Rotich(2012), who argues that.....
Simatei (2012), on the other hand/however/in contrast, suggests that ....
An alternative view/suggestion is that .....Jones (2008)
The opposite/a conflicting view is expressed by Mutua (2001)
Rotich and Muchiri (2012) challenges the theory that......
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Information Literacy Notes

Information Literacy (KCA University)

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2.9 Self – Test Questions .............................................................................................. 23

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5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 39

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8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 54

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MODULE TITLE: KCAU 001: INFORMATION LITERACY

This is a half module as it is combined with HIV and AIDS module.

Idiodi, E.A. (2005). Approaches to information literacy acquisition in Nigeria, Library

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LECTURE ONE: INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION LITERACY

1.2 Specific objectives:

1.3 Introduction to Information literacy

1.3.1 Basic concepts

a) Information needs: If you are unable to answer a question or solve a problem

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1.3.3 Development of information literacy

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To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information

1.3.4 Definition of information literacy

The commonly acceptable definition of information literacy as cited in many information

1.3.5 Characteristics of an information literate individual

Individuals who are information literate should be able to do the following:

 Determine the extent of information needed

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1.3.5 Why information literacy is important in higher education

Individuals who are knowledgeable about finding, evaluating, analyzing, integrating,

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1.3.6 Benefits of information literacy

The following are some of the benefits of information literacy:

1.3.7 Role of information in the information/knowledge society

1.3.8 Characteristics of the information/knowledge society

 Importance of theoretical knowledge: Theoretical knowledge is central in finding

 Information literacy essential: To cope with enormous amount of information, one

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1.5 Self – Test Questions

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1.7 Suggestion for further reading

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LECTURE TWO: SOURCES OF INFORMATION

2.2 Specific objectives:

2.3 Sources of Information

There is super-abundance amount of information sources available, and this information

2.3.2 Print Resources

2.3.3 Digital Resources

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2.3.4 Reference Sources

 Dictionaries (General and Subject)

2.3.5 Non-Reference Sources

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2.3.6 Other sources of information

The following is a list of other useful sources of information:

2.4 Scholarly and non-scholarly resources

2.5 Periodicals (Journals, newspapers and Magazines)