Presenter: Robin Pachtman, MLSSpring 2013 – Instructor: Dr. Harlan

Outcome:

• Participants will receive an overview of library research tools and techniques in order to identify assignment related resources and become more effective researchers.

Agenda:

• Identify Research Process

• Introduce NOVA Resources

• Explore Strategies for Searching

• Demonstrate Search Tips

• Discuss Website Evaluation

• Recognize Citation Tools

Research ProcessResearch Process

• Create your question• Explore resource tools• Develop search terms• Evaluate findings• Synthesize results into research

document• Cite Sources

ResearchResearch SkillsSkills

Resourceful (beyond Google)

Analytical

Persistent and Patient

Developing Search Terms Developing Search Terms

• Not conversational English

• Key words or phrases

• Synonyms, Related terms

• Think about

general vs. specific terms

broad vs. Narrow

• Use database subject terms/thesaurus

Research QuestionResearch Question

Which method is more effective for learning, distance or classroom education?

Keywords are:

Review, Revise and RepeatReview, Revise and RepeatSearch Terms:

• General Topic

Too many resultsAdd more information & related terms

• Narrower/Specific Topic

More focused and relevant results

• Try other Databases

ExamplesBroad Narrow

1.Writers Women Writers Latin-American Writers

Isabelle Allende

Cars Sports Cars Porsche Porsche 911

Food Desserts Cake Brownies

1. Discuss the themes that reoccur in a Latin-American author of your choice.

Helpful Search TipsHelpful Search Tips

Boolean Operators

•AND•OR•NOT

ResourcesResourcesLAUNCHING RESOURCES

Catalogues:

Books

Periodicals

Audio-Visuals (Film, TV, Radio, etc.)

Internet (Websites and Databases)

People:

Organizations and Other People

BRANCHING OUT

Works cited in previous

sources

Tools and resourcesTools and resources

Search EnginesPublicly available web resources GoogleAnyoneFree

Databases (News, Research, Reference)Secure sites (Not accessible via search

engines)Articles in Journals, Magazines and

NewspapersExperts$$$$

Databases vs. GoogleDatabases vs. Google

• Very organized• All results standardized• More relevant results• Less likely to get false

information

Efficiency, Organization, Efficiency, Organization, CredibilityCredibility

Compare Google and Academic Search Complete

NOVA LIBRARY http:www.nvcc.edu/library

NOVA Resources

Access from home:

Login with My NOVA account

Wildcards? = any letter (Ex. Colo?r)

Truncation* = various endings to root word

(Ex. garden*)Quotes

“phrase” = exact wording (Ex. “plastic water bottle”)

More Tips…More Tips…

Evaluating…Be Skeptical! Evaluating…Be Skeptical!

TimeCurrency

Relevance

Authority

Accuracy

Purpose

Topical

Who

What

Why

*Adapted with permission from author: Sarah Blakeslee, California State University, Chico

Is it C.R.A.A.P?Is it C.R.A.A.P?

Website EvaluationWebsite Evaluation

The Scientist

Citation ResourcesCitation Resources

Writing Center 4th fl.

Don’t forget…evaluate with a Don’t forget…evaluate with a critical eye!critical eye!

What does Google know…about you?

Need help? Have Questions?

Come to the Library

Online help 24/7 via Ask a Librarian

Contact me:rpachtman@nvcc.edu703-323-2328