1. Using and Choosing Reference Sources

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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:
General Works Science
Philosophy Technology
Religion Arts
Social Sciences Literature
Languages History

9. 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

10. 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