WMST1500 Introduction to Library Research Adam Taves Reference Librarian

Objectives: by the end of this session you will be able to… Navigate the York University Libraries and the Libraries’ Website Find research materials for your paper Understand distinctions between publication types Understand uses of and differences between finding tools for those publications Find Books and Articles using effective keyword strategies Get help

What do people think about libraries? “Why do you makes things so confusing?” – Student at Scott Reference Desk "I read," I say. "I study and read. I bet I've read everything you read. Don't think I haven't. I consume libraries. I wear out spines and ROM-drives. I do things like get in a taxi and say, "The library, and step on it." – David Foster Wallace “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” ‑‑ Jorge Luis Borges “We are the cornerstone of democracy. We are the community commons.” – Deborah Jacobs, Seattle city librarian “Librarians are the secret masters of the world. They control information. Don't ever piss one off.” ‑‑ Spider Robinson

Research as Conversation EavesdroppingEntering Engaging

Research as Conversation Encyclopedias Literature Reviews Books Scholarly Articles Background information Wider explorations of a topic Focus on narrow aspect of a topic

Starting Your Research… Course readings, lectures Newspapers and magazines Specialized encyclopedias (e.g., International Encyclopedia of Public Health) Online Resources

Where do I search? In Databases A searchable storehouse of information. Every item described in the database has a “record”. A record is composed of fields.

How to do a keyword search Question…. How did the push for women’s rights fit into or affect expansion of multicultural policy in Canada?

Finding Books Use the library catalogue What is this? A database for finding books. Demo catalogue…

Finding Articles Use a periodical index (e.g. Research Library) What is this? A database for finding articles. How do I find them? Find Articles by Subject

Scholarly versus Popular Articles Scholarly Journals Written by scholars or researchers Intended audience is professors, students, researchers Lengthy articles with in-depth coverage of topics May have a ‘serious’ look – few photos or ads Always include a bibliography (works cited) May use discipline-specific language or jargon Popular (magazines, newspapers, etc.) Often written by journalists or staff writers Shorter articles; usually provide a broad overview of topics Usually include photos and advertisements Bibliography not usually provided Uses everyday language that is accessible to the average reader And what is peer-reviewed?

Getting Help Scott Library Reference Desk (2 nd floor) Ask A Question Library course guide on the Web

Thanks!