Gary Handman Doing Research Online: A Crash Course

1.Describes organization of library information journalarticles 2.Introduce selected online sources for finding books and journal articles. 3. Introduce a group of basic moves and features common to many online catalogs and indexes.

The (Library) Information Universe BooksBooks Journals (Magazines) & NewspapersJournals (Magazines) & Newspapers Government docsGovernment docs MapsMaps Media (video, sound recording, etc.)Media (video, sound recording, etc.) Computer files (e.g. CD- ROMS)Computer files (e.g. CD- ROMS) Online Resources DissertationsOnline Resources Dissertations ManuscriptsManuscripts EphemeraEphemera I’d rather be Doing research!

The Information Universe The Top 10 Reasons for Using a Book…or a Journal Article…

The Information Universe But how do you find this stuff? (along with a cute, available guy?)

The Information Universe Library Catalog(s) Journal/Newspaper Indexes

Inventory of what the Library owns: Books Books Journals (BUT NOT what’s inside of them!!!!!!) Journals (BUT NOT what’s inside of them!!!!!!) Library Catalogs Search by: AuthorAuthor TitleTitle Subject (keywords)Subject (keywords) Media Media Manuscripts, documents, maps…etc. etc. etc. etc.) Manuscripts, documents, maps…etc. etc. etc. etc.) Pathfinder and Melvyl Vito Acconci

The Information Universe: Books Film at wit's end : eight avant-garde filmmakers / Film at wit's end : eight avant-garde filmmakers / Author: Brakhage, Stan. Published: Kingston, NY : Documentext, Location(s)Location(s): MAIN: PN E96 B ; MOFF: PN E96 B Description183 p., [16] p. plates : ill., ports. ; 24 cm. NotesIncludes index. Filmography: p Subject Headings Experimental films -- United States.Experimental films -- United States. Motion picture producers and directors - - United States -- Biography. Motion picture producers and directors - - United States -- Biography. Call # (It really does mean something!)

The Information Universe: Finding Articles Article Databases (Indexes/Abstracts) Databases produced by different commercial publishers; often look/act differently from one another. Regularly updated Allow subject/author searching in a group of journals in a particular discipline or topical area. FULLLLL TEXXXXT!Some indexes also offer abstracts AND/OR FULLLLL TEXXXXT! I know! I’ll do my paper on Marilyn Manson!

Choosing an Articles database (index) Look at the listings of article databases available via the library includes listings by SUBJECT, NAME, etc. General Databases are often good places to start (particularly for newsy/topical issues)

All databases are not created equal (or by the same company)…

The Information Universe (Now) But Remember: Not everything is online!!!!!: Article Databases: Generally only go back yrs online (some exceptions – e.g. Historical Newspapers) Not every journal is indexed (but most major ones are) Fairly small (but rapidly growing) subset of the books and journal universe is currently available in full-text Online is Cool

The Information Universe Remember Also: Not every topic has lots written about it, either in books or journal lit. --Research on very current topics --Research on radically specific topics --Research on topics off the beaten academic track or off the current pop culture radar

How to Begin? Before you click: THINK Formulate a concise, concrete statement of the research problem Formulate your search in terms of keywords and key phrases: The impact of television advertising and television violence on school performance and pre-adolesecent social interaction.

How to Begin? Before you click: THINK Think of synonyms for key words/phrases The impact of television advertising and television violence on school performance and pre-adolesecent social interaction. Children Youth Adolescents …etc. Commercials Ads …etc. Academic achievement Grades …etc. Media TV…etc Socialization, relationships, peer interaction…etc.

The Information Universe What to do if nothing is turning up: Tweak your topic: Broaden it / select a different angle Rethink your search strategy (new keywords, new concepts, etc.) Bail out completely and choose another topic

A few cautionary words about research on the Net LibraryLand The Net Google Rocks! Google Scholar? Maybe…

Common Search Features: --Save list of good stuff --Mail Articles/Citations to yourself

Connecting from off-campus HELP: Connecting from Off Campus

…being driven over the edge by your research? Call me: Gary Handman