1. Virtual Library The One-Stop Information Shop Ms. Lissette Alvarez

2. Information Sources Information comes in a variety of formats Information comes in a variety of formats –Print –Nonprint –Electronic/digital In two minutes, make a list of information sources In two minutes, make a list of information sources

3. Information sources The Internet is the most widely used resource to access information. The Internet is the most widely used resource to access information. One has access to a wealth of information in a matter of seconds. One has access to a wealth of information in a matter of seconds. What are some other reasons for using the Internet as a resource for information? What are some other reasons for using the Internet as a resource for information?

4. Information sources Anyone can post information on the web. Anyone can post information on the web. As we all know, the Internet is not regulated by anyone, company, or organization. As we all know, the Internet is not regulated by anyone, company, or organization. Since there is no company or organization that checks the information posted, there are many sites with Since there is no company or organization that checks the information posted, there are many sites with –Information not based on facts –Bias –Unreliable information What other things does one need to be aware of when searching the web? What other things does one need to be aware of when searching the web?

5. Information sources When we access information from the Internet we need to: When we access information from the Internet we need to: 1. Check the author’s authority or credentials 2. See if the information came from a reliable source 3. Determine if the author is writing with bias 4. Determine if the information written has been edited or checked.

6. Use primary sources A primary source is a first-hand account of an event, a life, or a moment in time. They are in the original form such as diaries, letters, photos, etc. Information sources

7. As a reader/learner, we need to determine where the information came from. A primary source? As a reader/learner, we need to determine where the information came from. A primary source? Have you played “telephone” before? What has happened to the information once it’s been passed around? Have you played “telephone” before? What has happened to the information once it’s been passed around?

8. Information Sources At times, people pass down information based on their opinion or ideas. At times, people pass down information based on their opinion or ideas. People make assumptions and share information based on assumptions and not facts. People make assumptions and share information based on assumptions and not facts.

9. Virtual Library There are many sites that, by subscription, one can access trustworthy, reliable, and unbiased information. There are many sites that, by subscription, one can access trustworthy, reliable, and unbiased information. One has access to information that has been verified and edited. One has access to information that has been verified and edited. Our electronic source for information should be first accessed via the Virtual Library. Our electronic source for information should be first accessed via the Virtual Library.

10. Virtual Library The Virtual Library has many databases and is comprehensive enough to supply any information you need at any level and for any subject. The Virtual Library has many databases and is comprehensive enough to supply any information you need at any level and for any subject. The Virtual Library provides links to sites on the web. These recommended sites, however, have been previewed and checked by educated eyes and recommendations have been made. The Virtual Library provides links to sites on the web. These recommended sites, however, have been previewed and checked by educated eyes and recommendations have been made.

11. Virtual Library To access the site: 1. Log on to http://www.fergusonhs.org http://www.fergusonhs. 2. Select “Information Center” from the right side of the homepage. 3. Select “Virtual Library” from the right column on the Information Center page 4. Select “Secondary Resources” 5. Select the appropriate database for your research

12. Virtual Library Abdo (digital) Abdo (digital) eLibrary Science eLibrary Science Facts on File Facts on File GALE GALE SIRS Knowledge Source SIRS Knowledge Source WorldBook Online Reference Center WorldBook Online Reference Center

13. Virtual Library Virtual Library

14. Virtual Library Username: Username:miamidade Password: Password:miamidade

15. eLibrary Science

16. Facts on File

18. Gale

19. Gale

20. SIRS Knowledge Source

21. World Book

22. Virtual Library The username and password for all of links on the database is: The username and password for all of links on the database is: –Username: miamidade –Password: miamidade

23. Virtual Library Features Printer-friendly options Printer-friendly options Dictionary/Thesaurus Dictionary/Thesaurus Links to websites for additional information Links to websites for additional information Email feature Email feature Tagged List/Search History Tagged List/Search History Citation examples Citation examples Global search within each database Global search within each database