Proficiency Test for INT108:Libraries & Information Research

(CREDIT BY EXAM) ♦ For Non-Freshmen and Transfer Students

Any student (not a freshman) who believes that he or she has sufficient information research knowledge and is experienced with online searching may take a proficiency test in order to receive Credit by Exam for INT108:Libraries and Information Research. If the student passes the test, one hour of credit for INT108, a General Education Requirement under Managing Information, is awarded and will be recorded on the transcript during the semester in which the student takes the test.

About the Proficiency Test

The Proficiency Test is based on the Association of College and Research Libraries'(ACRL) Information Competency Standards and Performance Indicators. The Proficiency Test:

• is scheduled at regular intervals throughout the year
• uses the Blackboard Learning software
• will take approximately two hours to complete
• requires a $50.00 fee
• may not be repeated. If a student fails the test by receiving a 65% (or lower) score, the INT108 course must be taken.

Procedures for Taking the Proficiency Test

• The student must obtain a 4-ply Request for INT108 :Libraries and Information Research Proficiency Test form from the Registrar's Office, complete the form and attach a check for $50.00 made payable to Fontbonne University to the form.
• The student should return the form directly to one of the Reference Librarians in the Library, preferably Mr. John Baken at least one week in advance of the publicized test date.
• Within 48 hours of receipt of the completed form and payment, an INT108 instructor (usually Mr. Baken) will notify the student via the student's Fontbonne e-mail address of approval or rejection of the request. If the request has been approved, the e-mail will indicate the available date, time, and location for taking the test.
• The test is administered via Blackboard software in the INFORMATION COMMONS-Library 1^st floor.

A maximum of 14 students may take the test on a first come/first serve basis on a given date.

The student must arrive at the INFORMATION COMMONS with a valid Fontbonne student ID card.

In addition, it is necessary that the student has his or her USER NAME and PASSWORD set up through the FONTBONNE ONRAMP prior to arriving, since they are needed to access Blackboard (Bb) software.

Students who fail to show up for their scheduled test date automatically forfeit their test fee and must reapply to take the exam.

Preparation for the Test

To pass this proficiency test, it is essential that students are thoroughly prepared. It is highly recommended that students prepare for the exam in the following manner:

• Read and study carefully the textbook, The College Student's Research Companion (4th edition) by Arlene Rodda Quaratiello. Several "Reserve" copies are available at the Fontbonne University Library circulation desk. The book is also available for purchase in the University Bookstore.
• Read and study carefully all tutorials on the Helpful Linkspage of the Library website.
• Be familiar with library policies and procedures explained on Fontbonne Llibrary's web site.
• Practice navigating the online Fontbonne Library Catalog, as well as those from Bridges and MOBIUS. These are accessible via the Library web site along with a brief explanation of the system.
• Practice navigating the Electronic Resources also accessible via the Library web site. Be familiar with the various types of databases (multidisciplinary vs. subject specific and periodical vs. reference).

Upon completion of the test, a student who has achieved a score of 66% or higher will have INT108:Libraries and Information Research recorded on his or her transcript as ‘credit by exam' for one hour of credit. A student who has achieved a score of 65% or lower must register for and successfully complete the INT108 course to meet the General Education Requirement.

Note: Questions regarding the INT108 Proficiency Test may be directed to John Baken, Reference Librarian, Room 103-B (314-719-8088) in the Library.