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Social Issues ResearchMs. Doyle, District Librarian
Presentation Notes
Please get ready to take notes
Write down words and phrases in red
At the end of presentation, you will have notes A-J
Today’s Topics
A. Objectives:
1. Use WebCat to locate a book on your subject in the school library
2. Use SIRS Knowledge Source and Opposing Viewpoints/Gale PowerSearch to find information on your topic
Find a Book in the Library
B. Steps1. School Home Page
Find a Book in the Library
2. Library Home Page
Search WebCat
3. Enter keywords for the topic you are researching4. Limit by school5. Click Search Everything
Search WebCat
Use just 1-3 words, NOT your whole question. Try different words and phrases until you find the best one for your search.
Search WebCat
Search WebCat
Be sure to check the copyright date to make sure the book is not too old.
Search WebCat
6. Use cross references to find more search terms.
C. Print vs. Online Sources
Take about 2 minutes to talk with the person next to you about the following questions. Write brief answers in your notes.
1. Why might using a print book be better than using the Internet or a database for this project?
2. Why might it be better to use online sources instead of a book?
D. Keyword vs. Subject
1. In keyword searching, you use any words that come to mind. The computer finds them anywhere in the article.
Keyword vs. Subject
2. In subject searching, you use the exact words that the catalogers use. The computer finds these phrases only in the subject field.
Keyword vs. Subject
Which kind of search finds more results?
Hold up one finger if you think it is
1. Keyword search
Hold up two fingers if you think it is
2. Subject search
Keyword vs. Subject
Which kind of search finds more relevant results?
Hold up one finger if you think it is
1. Keyword search
Hold up two fingers if you think it is
2. Subject search
Think about your research topic. Brainstorm at least 6 keywords you could use in your search. Write the keywords in your notes now.
E. Keywords
Using Databases
Find Gale PowerSearch and SIRS Knowledge Source on your bookmark
Circle the web addresses
Draw a box around the login and password for each one
Next to Gale PowerSearch, write “includes Opposing Viewpoints”
F. How to Find the Databases1. Go to your school website2. Click “Library” in the menu, then choose Library Home Page
You can also find link to database passwords on Library Home Page (must log in to Edline)
Find the Databases
Scroll down to find DatabasesLook for Controversial Issues
Opposing Viewpoints
Opposing Viewpoints
Opposing Viewpoints
SIRS Researcher/Knowledge Source
SIRS : Narrow by SUBJECT
Gale PowerSearch DatabaseIncludes newspapers, magazines, reference books, and more
Notice Content Types:Magazines show up in
first search, but you can switch to journals, books, etc.
Related Subjects: These are the subject headings!
Document Types:Narrow your search (to
just articles, for example)
Gale PowerSearch
G. Advanced Searches
Using the Advanced Search option lets you decide EXACTLY what you want.
Use one of your subject
headings, the term AND , and then your other subject heading
Search with AND to get both subjects
Review
Turn to the person next to you. Figure out whose birthday happens first this year.
The person with the first birthday will explain to the other person why it’s helpful search by subject (rather than keyword) in a database
Describe at least 2 advantages to using a subject search
H. Find Project Page under Library/Class Projects
Wrapping Up
In your notes (I), write one thing you learned today
In your notes (J), write one question you still have
Share questions now or email [email protected]