1. HUMA2680 Introduction to Library Research Adam Taves Reference Librarian

2. Objectives: by the end of this session you will be able to… navigate the York University Libraries and the Libraries’ Website 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 using the library

3. What do People think about Libraries? "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 “Libraries are brothels for the mind” -- Guy Browning in The Guardian “Librarians are the secret masters of the world. They control information. Don't ever piss one off.” ‑‑ Spider Robinson

4. Research as Conversation Encyclopedias Books Articles Background information Wider explorations of a topic Focus on narrow aspect of a topic

5. Starting Your Research… What’s been done on the topic? Specialized encyclopedias Online resources Wikipedia Internet searches Background Information

6. Scholarly versus Popular Articles ScholarlyPopular (magazines, newspapers, etc.) 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 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

7. Primary vs Secondary Sources PrimarySecondary Written by people who have direct knowledge of events/issues under discussion; participants The work itself Author’s diary, journals Interviews with author or friends/acquaintances Relies primarily on primary or other secondary sources; distant relationship Products of reflection/research Indirect knowledge Often contain a re-seeing or re-envisioning of someone or something

8. Where do I search for books and articles? In Databases A searchable storehouse of information. Library catalogue books, films, music (and more!) Periodical indexes | article databases scholarly & popular articles

9. How to do a keyword search Exercises….

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