module 3: using thebrain and your brain
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Take two!TRANSCRIPT
Using TheBRAIN and Your Brain
Today’s Agenda: Basic Training
Libraryland Lingo
Translating Assignments
Locating Academic Resources
Choose Your Tool(s)Books = historical or background
information
Journal articles = very current developments, academic and professional research
Newspaper articles = gauge public opinion, info for that moment in time
Websites = gov’t publications, organizations’ attitudes
Churn It Up!● Your language may not work with our
resources● Library resources are organized by librarians
● Most likely you will find information, but…
● it might be only a fraction
● it might not be the best
Database Tips and Tricks
Kick the keyword search to the curb
Use the left hand column – it’s like having a lovely librarian on your shoulder
You will get everything actually on topic, not just articles that mention your words
Look Left to Narrow Your Search
Magazines & Journals
Be choosey
• Use you program pages from TheBRAIN’s homepage
• These pages provide you the links to the resources and services recommended for your program of study
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Additional Tips
Be lazy, but academic
Click full text Specify a date range if currency is
a focusLimit by number of pagesDecide if you need the professional
or academic experience this can be the difference between a cup
or a carafe of coffee while reading your articles
Don’t forget about books!
New catalogue is easier than ever!
Use your words
And then – LOOK LEFT
Click through to even better results
Research Recap Brainstorm – find alternatives to your
lingo● break your topic down into 2 or 3 terms
Make the database(s) work for you● limit to full text, by date, by source type, …● use subjects over keywords when you can
Don’t be afraid to play
Ask for help!
Test Drive While this info is fresh, take
TheBRAIN for a test drive
Use the Help! widgets on our course’s homepage to ask the
Library any questions you may have on constructing a good search
You will need to fine tune your skills for the upcoming modules
