Basic Research SkillsErika Sullivan

JHS Media Specialist

Types of Material

Journals Magazines Newspapers Reference

sources Websites Databases

PeriodicalsJournal Magazine Newspaper

Length Fairly Long: 6-20 pgs

Fairly Short:1-5 pgs Fairly Short: 1-2 pgs

Language Used Technical, scholarly Not technical, general, written that a non expert can understand

General, short sentences, to the point

Structure Divided into research sections: abstract, results, conclusions

No specific structure followed

No specific structure followed

References List of references appear at the end of the article

List of references rarely included, sources may be mentioned in article

References are almost never included but might be mentioned in article

Author Info Name is almost always listed; credentials (degrees, schools, companies)Appear at the beginning, sometimes more than one author

Name or credentials may or may not be listed and usually only one author

Brief articles the author is usually not named. When author is listed credentials are rarely provided

Reference/Sources

Reference Sources:

Are tools that are

used to find

information quickly

and efficiently.

Types of Reference Sources

EncyclopediaDictionaryThesaurusAlmanac

Atlas

Library Catalog What is a library

catalog?› Resources found

in the library

What is found in the library catalog?

› Books› Newspaper› Magazines› Videos

Library Catalog: You Use?

JHS Library http://www.clarkecounty.jhs.schoolinsites.com/

White Smith Memorial Library

http://webmini.apls.state.al.us/apls_web/whitesmith/?q=home

Databases: AVL Alabama Virtual

Library is an online resource that is paid for by the tax payers of Alabama! It’s FREE

www.avl.lib.al.us

What kind of resources?

Online Encyclopedias

Online Dictionaries Online Subject

Databases: MedlinePlus, Biography, History, Career, Business, Literature

Mega Search Databases: Student Research Center, Gale, EBSCO Host

WebsitesReliable or Not?

Reliable Internet Sources

Web addresses ending in .edu or .gov (anyone can purchase .com, .net, .org)

Author is listed and is an experienced person in the field they are discussing (would you go see an auto-mechanic about your broken leg?)

Publisher is a reputable source

References listed: where their information came from.

Copyright date Neutral standing with the

topic

Not Reliable Internet Sources

Commercial site with advertisements and/or social network links

Anonymous authors No links or references Site is bias toward one side or

another (Is the author trying to sway your opinion?)

No copyright date No publisher

Citations

Whenever a source is used and words are taken from it to go along with other information, the source MUST be cited!!!!

If a source is not cited and words are taken from it, it is plagiarism!

Two types of formats used:

MLA APA

(It is the preference of the teacher which format is

used for the paper)

OWL and Son of Citation

Online Writing Lab http://owl.english.purd

ue.edu/ This site gives basic

layout of format for each sources needing to be cited with examples.

Look at right side of main page to find format guide

This is the most reliable site to use for citations for a paper.

Son of Citation http://citationmachine.

net/index2.php This site can be used

to generate a citation by filling in the blanks.

It does not help choose a source and does not correct spelling, what you type will generate in the citation.

BE CAREFUL, CHECK YOUR WORK!!!

Librarians A librarian is a resource Information can be gained for school

through a librarians help, she can help find the right book or resource for you.

Best practice is to try and find the information yourself first, then ask for help.

The librarian can better answer questions if you know what you need help with specfically.

Any Questions?

Remember that I am here to help you

All you have to do is ask…..