RESEARCH DATABASES BSSHS

SO, WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL ABOUT RESEARCH? It’s just another project!

RESEARCH IS A REAL-LIFE SKILL Research projects are training grounds for adult problem-solving and decision-making  Which car should I buy and how much should I pay?  Which candidate will best represent my interests?  How can I convince my boss to accept my proposal?  What can we do to help Africa?  Who or what do I believe? (Information Fluency!!!)

WHAT SOURCES SHOULD I USE? Books (Can be found in databases) Databases Periodicals (Can also be in databases)  Newspapers  Magazines Free Web What are Databases and why do you need them?

DATABASES VS. INTERNET Library DatabasesThe Internet Paid for by the library so that you can have free access to scholarly information. Some resources are free, but others require you to pay for them. Content is evaluated for authority and accuracy. Information is not evaluated for accuracy and may be incorrect, misleading, or biased. Information is stable.Websites come and go. Through Subject Pages it is easy to find databases that relate specifically to your topic (and get connected to an expert if you need guidance).Subject Pages The internet is a vast sea of information with no organization. Library databases offer options to quickly limit or expand your search to find the articles you need. A search engine (like Google) often returns an overwhelming number of results with no quick way to narrow them down or ensure they relate to your topic. Watch: Databases = controlled content In short, you should use library databases in order to quickly find relevant scholarly information you can use in research papers or other course projects. Taken from Harold B. Lee Library Brigham Young University Nov 17, 2014http://ask.lib.byu.edu/a.php?qid=173302

HOW DO I USE THE DATABASES? Access  Desktop folder  Destiny Destiny  Library Webpages Library Webpages  BSSHS  Academics  Library/Media Center  Resources  Database Access/Overview How to Search using a Database Gale Power Search Basic and AdvancedBasic Advanced  Opposing Viewpoints – Opposing Viewpoints –  General One File – General One File –  Gale Virtual Reference Library Gale Virtual Reference Library  Discovering Collection Discovering Collection Ebsco Host –  Intro Intro  Basic Search Basic Search

PLAGIARISM …using information that you learned during your research process and not citing the source of that information. Plagiarism is STEALING the thoughts and ideas of another Citing your resources is required  citationmachine.net/   Plagiarism Video

DATABASE REVIEW 1. Get to know your databases. Each one specializes in different information. Then choose the best database for the information you are wanting to find. 3. Begin with a basic search but try more advanced searches to either limit or expand the search to help find what you are looking for. 4. Use the databases for your citations. Get them early and save to a word document, but double check them for accuracy. 5. Don’t forget to use the tools to save to a folder, print, and etc. 6. Don’t give up. Be patient, be creative, and be thoughtful. The information is there you just need to find the right words to access it. Consider yourself on an adventure through the information superhighway.

SEARCH TIP… Don’t forget to use online encyclopedias (encyclopedia.com et. al.) and databases as subject directories! They also can select great links!

EVALUATING RESOURCES Accuracy and Authority Advocacy and Objectivity Currency and Coverage

NOW YOU ARE READY! GO FORTH AND DO POWERFUL, THOUGHTFUL RESEARCH! Remember, you are not alone. Check frequently with your teacher-librarian (ME) and classroom teacher for guidance!