1. Research Sources & strategies
Focus on:
Databases, Statistics & Original Research Articles, Local Info
F. Gavin, Instructor – ENG 206
L. Dobson, Librarian
2010 March 1, - 12:30 p.m., - Room D215

2. Library Help Ask the Library – chat, phone, email, in person
Research & Writing Help
RefWorks – citation manager
APA & MLA Citation Style
Library Classes Blog

9. Library Classes Handouts Blog
Did you attend a library class?
Check the “Library Classes” blog for copies of the handouts , etc.  

10. E-resources at Centennial Libraries
Over 100 databases
Search
One at a time
Many at one time using vendor aggregators. See list to the right ► ►
Almost all at once through BIGsearch
Slide 4
Why are library skills important?
You need to get info from the library for some of your assignments
You will have information needs throughout your whole life – the library can help you develop your research skills
You save time doing your assignments if you know how to use the library
7 Sept 2005 10 10

12. library.centennialcollege.ca
Distance Access

13. Journals & Databases Journals: Databases:
Published in issues regularly (weekly, monthly, etc.)
Each issue contains several articles (essays) by different authors
Databases:
Licensed electronic resources that let you search hundreds of thousands of articles at one time

14. Internet vs E-resources
Wide range of info
Quality varies widely
Search tools primarily “behind the scenes”
Huge
E-resources
More academic
More consistent reliable quality
Commercial free
Precision search tools with “you in charge”
Big 14

15. Journals: scholarly or general level?
Scholarly articles
are documented (in-text citations, footnotes or endnotes).
Most are peer reviewed = highest research quality + many report on original research done
General articles
are not documented 15 15

16. “Peer reviewed” articles
Also called “refereed” or “academic” or “scholarly”
Well researched, authoritative work
Many are original research papers
A committee of scholars must approve quality before the editor publishes
Most databases allow you to limit to peer reviewed if you want 16 16 16 16 16

18. SEARCH DESIGN Be clear about your search topic
If topic is new to you, get some background info

21. Database searching
“The basics”

22. START YOUR RESEARCH BOX on the Libraries homepage…

26. 597

27. AND: Boolean Operator combines14
Boolean searching 3 terms or strings of terms
Kafka and (metamorphosis or castle) or (criticism or reviews)

29. 12

31. OR: Boolean operator collects

32. 29

33. SUBJECT TERMS (“THESAURUS “)–
helps you choose effective search terms (“tag terms”).
All will appear in SUBJECT FIELD at least.

35. Database precision search tools
See your handout for more tips on how to
Limit search results (and provide more focus or relevancy)
Expand search results (to get more)

36. What newspapers offer…
Current & local info – news!
Hot topics - debates, different viewpoints & opinions
People & organizations involved
Newspaper e-resource 36

38. Managing your search results
Print, , download, export, alerts service, citation help – available in most databases
Export: to RefWorks, “a program that will correctly format bibliographies and in-text references into your chosen format, such as MLA Style.”
EBSCO vendor also provides MyEBSCOhost individual accounts
Export to RefWorks
Print
Download

39. Add to folder
Add to folder

40. Folder

42. How to find original research articles?
Several ways…

44. Use the THESAURUS to find terms relating to research

45. A word about Statistics
ESTAT: an e-resource (database) popular data from Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada (Internet website) Much is free, some are fee-based. Do not pay for Stats Canada data –ESTAT or other sources may provide free data
Many other sources…
Ask the Library staff for help 45

48. York University Libraries offer a lot of help on using Canadian statistical sources.
York University Libraries homepage:
Click on “Resources” ---Statistical data…

49. Finding local information
See handout for some recommended sites

50. Explore …
Tour your neighbourhood - including local Public Library branch
Network
Do “job research” if you are looking for a job
Search the Internet

51. The Internet Many organizations are listed
Many have their own websites
See your handout

52. About www.211toronto.ca Available 24-hours-a-day & in many languages.
211 was officially launched in Toronto in 2002
By: United Way of Greater Toronto, along with Findhelp Information Services, the City of Toronto, the Government of Ontario & the Government of Canada
211 has expanded Canada-wide

54. 79

55. Organizations sorted by LOCATION

56. Critical Thinking
“I already diagnosed myself on the Internet. I’m only here for a second opinion.”

57. a 10-minute av program, Evaluate Web Pages
Wolfgram Memorial Library, Widener University (Chester, PA) –
a 10-minute av program, Evaluate Web Pages

58. Ithaca College Library (Ithaca, New York) Website evaluation exercises

59. Ask the Library staff to help