SILT is a web resource created for all students, staff and faculty of the SWITCH library consortium. Its purpose is to help teach library and research skills. SILT includes the following tutorials:
| Types of Information Sources | Introduces the user to different types of information sources |
| Choosing a Research Topic | Explains how to define a research topic and identify keywords to search for information on the topic |
| Using TOPCAT | Teaches how to use TOPCAT, the online catalog for SWITCH |
| Finding Articles | Explains how to locate and search for journal articles using an online database |
| Citing Information & Avoiding Plagiarism | Goes over how to cite information and covers plagiarism and copyright |
| Evaluating Information | Addresses the importance of evaluating information and teaches how to do so |
Each of the tutorials takes about 10-15 minutes to complete. They can be completed during a class or on one's own time. At the end of each section there is a short quiz.
Does SILT Replace Library Instruction?
No. Librarians continue to offer course-related library instruction at those SWITCH libraries providing this service. The tutorials are meant to compliment the instructional efforts taking place at the SWITCH libraries. We recommend that instructors contact the appropriate reference/instruction librarian at your SWITCH library to find out good ways to make use of this tutorial in association with a specific course.
The SILT tutorial is being developed to support the Information Literacy Competencies and Criteria for Academic Libraries in Wisconsin.
A link to SILT can also be found off the TOPCAT home page. If you have contributions or suggestions about SILT, please email us.