Using and Choosing Reference Sources

Reference Source Examples Encyclopedia- primary source Biographies or Informational Books- primary source The Internet- secondary source

Different Types of Sources Primary sources are print materials that have been edited and reviewed by a reputable publisher These can include encyclopedias, biographies, or scholarly journals Secondary sources are usually non-print materials that have not been reviewed by a reputable company These can include websites and blogs

Alphabetizing- used in all print reference sources Words are arranged from the letters A – Z in the alphabet When using a person’s name, always use the last name to look up the entry When 2 words begin with the same letter, the second letter is used to decide which will go first; if the second letter is also the same, use the third letter, and so on.

Sections of a book Title page - displays the book’s title, the author’s name, the edition, the copyright, the publishing company, and place of publication Table of Contents – lists all parts of the book, chapter titles, and page numbers Glossary – dictionary at the end of the book Index – lists of topics and heading discussed in the book; found at the end of the book and arranged alphabetically

Encyclopedia A reference material containing articles on a variety of subjects, such as people, historical events, science, and technology. Articles are arranged alphabetically in volumes Specialized encyclopedias on art, music, law, and literature are also available in libraries

Using the Internet for Research Unless using a document found on the web as a primary source, never use the internet first. Verify any facts you use from the internet unless using an informational database, such as Britannica.com

Dewey Decimal System Libraries use this system to organize books and make them easy to find. The numbering system is divided into the 10 categories listed below: 000-099 General Works 500-599 Science 100-199 Philosophy 600-699 Technology 200-299 Religion 700-799 Arts 300-399 Social Sciences 800-899 Literature 400-499 Languages 900-999 History

Tips for questions about reference sources Skim through the reference material Read the reference source 2 or 3 times Read the question carefully Scan the reference source to find your answer Confirm your answer by reviewing the evidence in the source

Choosing the right reference source For a brief report on a specific subject, choose an encyclopedia To locate a book on a particular topic, use the card catalog and Dewey Decimal System Use the internet responsibly and only AFTER you have used an encyclopedia