Finding & Using Information Sources

Lindsay DavisFaculty Librarian

Objectives Learn about different information sources How to use different information sources Where and how to find a book & article How to develop search terms Practice finding a resource in your group

Find the LibGuideGo to: http://libguides.mccd.edu/engl85_kludtAlso log into the Portal You’ll want to have both open, either as separate tabs or windows.

Brainstorm & discussWhat kind of sources do you think you will use to get started and/or use in your paper?

Brainstorm & discussWhat kind of sources do you think you are off limits in your research and writing?

CRAAP

BEAM

What are databases?

Where do I find books?

Click on the Library catalog link on the library webpage

Through the Portal Click on the red Lib catalog icon

Where do I find articles?

Through the Portal Databases listed in ABC order Databases listed by subject

How do I search for articles?

1. Choose subject-appropriate databases2. Set dates3. Mark full-text4. Limit publication type5. Enter your search terms with connecting

words

How do I come up with search terms?

Create research questions Break down your questions into the most

important words Write down synonyms & related words Here’s a video that explains more about

search terms

How do I use search terms to find articles?

Try different combinations of keywords with connecting words

Use stem searching Use quotes

Here is a video that explains how to search using keywords

Your turn Split into six groups (4 members per group). You will paste your

findings into Padlet (available on the LibGuide under the Activity tab)

Group 1: Find a print book & explain how it could be used. Group 2: Find a magazine article & explain how it could be used. Group 3: Find a journal article & explain how it could be used. Group 4: Find an eBook & explain how it could be used. Group 5: Find an viewpoint essay in Opposing Viewpoints or CQ

Researcher & explain how it could be used. Group 6: Find a post on a website or blog & explain how it could

be used.