Question 1

Miranda Downey (Instructor)

Accepted Answer

Miranda is a PhD candidate in the College of Information. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from UMD and a BS in Art History from Towson University. Her research examines the information behaviors and lived experiences of people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, with a focus on women with autoimmune diseases. In addition to the long COVID project, her recent work includes a study of the information seeking practices of LGBTQ+ people with disabilities and another examining the information behaviors of women with lupus. When she’s not working, Miranda can usually be found with her very spoiled flock of 16 pet chickens.

Question 2

J. Nicole Miller (GCA)

Accepted Answer

Nicole is a PhD candidate in the College of Information. Her research interests are the information behaviors of teens and young adults in fandom spaces (fanfiction, fan conventions, fan communities, etc.) and in regards to leisure (or recreational) reading. She has a BA in literary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas and an MS in library and information science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. When she’s not working on her dissertation, Nicole enjoys reading, crochet, baking, video games, board games, and playing with her two cats (whom you will see quite a bit this semester in slides).

Question 3

Miriam Hernandez (UCA)

Accepted Answer

Hi all! I’m currently a senior majoring in Information Science with a minor in General Business. Before transferring to UMD, I earned my AA in General STEM Studies from Montgomery College in Rockville, Maryland. At UMD, I’ve worked as both a UCA and AMP for INST126 and INST314, and I currently work as a technician for the new Esports Center opening in Fall 2026. Outside of school, I like to take on various crafting hobbies (knitting, paper crafts), play video games, and spend time with my younger brothers.

Question 4

What’s the participation policy?

Accepted Answer

Active participation is expected for all students. This includes attending class sessions, engaging in discussions and activities, and contributing to online discussion boards.

Question 5

What’s the late work policy?

Accepted Answer

A 10% penalty will be deducted for each day or part of a day that an assignment is late. Assignments submitted more than three (3) days late will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor.

PLEASE NOTE: due to the condensed nature of the Summer I semester, work will only be accepted until the last day of the term (July 10).

Question 6

What’s the AI policy?

Accepted Answer

Use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, automated writing assistants) is not allowed and is considered a violation of academic integrity. Any assignment found to contain AI-generated content will be subject to grade deductions. Continued use after a warning will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.

Question 7

What are office hours and why should I use them?

Accepted Answer

Office hours are dedicated times when your instructor or TA is available to help you. You can drop in to ask questions about assignments, clarify course material, get feedback, or discuss concerns. You don’t need an appointment unless you'd like to speak privately.

Question 8

What if I don’t know what to ask during office hours?

Accepted Answer

That’s okay! You can just listen in, go over a recent assignment, or talk through what you’re struggling with — you don’t need to have a perfect question prepared. It's a casual and low-pressure way to get support.

Question 9

Who do I contact for different types of questions?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on your instructor. They should address this in class and/or include this information on ELMS.

Question 10

What’s the best way to contact the instructor or TA?

Accepted Answer

Email is the best and most reliable method. Always include your full name, course name, and a clear subject line (e.g., “INST352 – Question Quiz 2”). You can also visit during office hours for live help.

Question 11

When are office hours held?

Accepted Answer

Please see each instructor/TA's contact info tab above and/or in the syllabus, but they are generally by appointment.

Question 12

Where do I find assignment instructions and due dates?

Accepted Answer

Assignment instructions, rubrics, and due dates are all posted on ELMS as well as on this Linktree. Make sure to check each week’s module for any updates or additional details.

Question 13

Are there assignment rubrics?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rubrics explaining how each assignment will be graded are attached to every assignment. You can also find them on this Linktree (assignment details PDFs) and on the Google Docs version of the Syllabus.

Question 14

How do I submit assignments?

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise instructed, all assignments should be submitted via ELMS before the deadline.

Question 15

When will grades be posted?

Accepted Answer

Grades are typically posted within one to two weeks after the assignment deadline. You can view your grades under the 'Grades' tab on ELMS.

Question 16

Will grades be curved or rounded up?

Accepted Answer

No. Individual assignment grades and final course grades are not curved or rounded up.

Question 17

Course Participation (15%)

Accepted Answer

This grade is based on your ACTIVE participation both live in-class activities and online discussion boards.

Each student is expected to make substantive contributions to the learning experience, and full attendance (i.e., joining class on time and staying for the entire duration) is expected for every session.

Discussion boards will have two components: an initial post (due by 11:59pm on Fridays) and two peer response posts (due by 11:59pm on Sundays). For each peer response, at least one follow-up question is required to help keep the discussion going. These will be evaluated based on substance, integration of course readings/concepts, and thoughtfulness of your insights.

Question 18

Quizzes (30%)

Accepted Answer

There are three quizzes, each worth 10% of your overall grade: Quiz 1 will cover material from weeks 1 & 2, Quiz 2 will cover material from weeks 3 & 4, and Quiz 3 will cover material from weeks 5 & 6.

Question 19

Information Behavior Analysis (20%)

Accepted Answer

This assignment consists of two parts: creating an infographic and responding to a classmate’s infographic. Your infographic will describe one of your own recent information-seeking experiences from the last month or so. It should explore what this experience reveals about your information needs, how and where you search for and use information, and the challenges you encounter in the process. It must also demonstrate a clear understanding of key course concepts, including information, information needs, information seeking, and information behavior. The second part involves responding thoughtfully to a classmate’s infographic, engaging with their experience and connecting it to course ideas.

Question 20

Research Article Analysis (35%)

Accepted Answer

This assignment includes 3 parts: a Pre-Survey (5%), a Paper (15%), and a Research Study Proposal (15%).

You’ll start by choosing a peer-reviewed article on the information behavior of a population of your choice and submitting it for approval via the Pre-Survey. You’ll then write a short paper summarizing and critiquing the article, explaining how its findings can address the population’s information needs, and suggesting future research. Finally, you’ll create a brief slideshow and record a short presentation proposing your own research study on a specific aspect of information behavior within the same population.

Question 21

When is Quiz 1 due?

Accepted Answer

Quiz 1 will open on Thursday, June 11th at 4:00pm and closes on Sunday, June 14th at 11:59pm.

Question 22

When is the Information Behavior Analysis due?

Accepted Answer

Infographics should be posted on the ELMS discussion board by 11:59pm on Friday, June 12th. Peer responses are due by 11:59PM on Sunday, June 14th.

Question 23

When is the Research Article Analysis Pre-Survey due?

Accepted Answer

The Pre-Survey is due by 11:59pm on Thursday, June 18th.

You should receive feedback shortly after the deadline.

If your article DOES NOT meet all of the criteria, you will be provided with suggestions for similar ones that fit your selected population and the assignment and asked to resubmit to gain back points.

Question 24

When is Quiz 2 due?

Accepted Answer

Quiz 2 opens on Thursday, June 25th at 4:00pm and closes on Sunday, June 28th at 11:59pm.

Question 25

When is the Research Article Analysis Paper due?

Accepted Answer

The paper is due by 11:59PM on Friday, July 3rd.

Question 26

When is Quiz 3 due?

Accepted Answer

Quiz 3 will open on Thursday, July 9th at 4:00pm and closes promptly at 11:59pm on Friday, July 10th.

Question 27

When are the Research Article Analysis Study Proposals due?

Accepted Answer

The Research Study Proposals are due by 11:59pm on Friday, July 10th.

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Information Behavior Analysis

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