esl weinstock spring 2014 libguide
DESCRIPTION
Presentation on using the library for college researchTRANSCRIPT
Effective College
Level Research
Robin Pachtman, MLSAnnandale Campus Library
Welcome!
• What the library has to offer
• Access to library research tools
• Explore the use of databases
• Evaluate and cite sources
What types of services or resources can you find in the library?
Can you think of any yourself before you go to the next page?
Library Vocabulary
• Circulation: Desk to check out/return borrowed items
• Reference: Quick facts; encyclopedias & dictionaries
• Reserves: Class texts, DVDs for short term use• Periodicals: Magazines & Journals• Call number: Identifies the location of item• Catalog and Databases: Locates library resources
Resources and ServicesServices:• Circulation Desk• Information Desk• Online 24 hr chat
Collection:Circulating Collection
• Career Collection• A/V Collection• Periodicals• ESOL• Reserves
Reference Collection• Encyclopedias,
Dictionaries
Facilities & Equipment• Instruction Room• Multimedia Room• Group Study Rooms • Computers/Laptops, Tablets• NOVAcard Machine ($$$) • Copiers, Printers, Scanners• TVs, DVD players
GV839.5 .B35 2007 Go Surf
Call Numbers• White label – bottom
of book spine
• Identifies where the item is located on the shelf
Shelf Location• Signs on the side of each
stack indicate which call numbers are located within that shelf stack in the library
• Call numbers are shelved in alphabetical order, followed by the number.
Research Skills
Library Tools Life Skills
What do you search for on the internet?
Research SkillsUse Library Tools Life Skills
What do you search for on the internet?
Restaurants, shopping, places to live, addresses, etc.
Library Webpage
www.nvcc.edu/library• Use those same techniques for your research• Develop key words Ex. What are the risks for teenagers driving
while texting?Keywords: Teenagers, Driving, Texting
Research Process
1. Define your research topic2. Access your information from library
resources3. Evaluate the information; is it credible?4. Organize the information into a coherent
form 5. Give credit to your sources
Tools and resources (Right tool for the job)
Search EnginesPublicly available web resources GoogleAnyoneFree
Databases (News, Research, Reference)Secure sites (Not accessible via search engines)Articles in Journals, Magazines and NewspapersExperts$$$$ - Your TuitionVery organized; all results in standard formatLess likely to get false information
Library Webpage
www.nvcc.edu/libraryBookArticles
Subject Databases, ReferenceResearch Guides
General Subject Resources and Class
How reliable is Google?
Google has your profile!
• Different people get different results
How reliable is Google?Google has your profile!
• Different people can search for the same
terms but get different results!
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
Review, Revise and RepeatSearch Terms:
• General Topic–Too many results–Add more information & related terms
• Narrower/Specific Topic–More focused and relevant results
• Try other Databases
ExamplesBroad Narrow
Synonyms or Related TermsChoose a Latin-American woman writer & discuss major influences in her life.
Writers Women Writers Latin-American Women Writers
Isabel Allende
What features does the Porsche offer?
Cars Sports Cars Porsche Porsche 911
What is a good recipe for brownies?
Food Desserts Cake Brownies
Time – When published?
Evaluating the web…Be Skeptical!
Currency
Relevance
Authority
Accuracy
Purpose
Topical – Is it really talking about your topic
Who – Does the person have credentials or is expert on subject?
What – Is it reliable or truthful?
Why – Is there a bias; is it for
entertainment or education?
*Adapted with permission from author: Sarah Blakeslee, California State University, Chico
Is it C.R.A.A.P?
Citation Resources from library page
Also help from Writing Center 4th fl. CG
Long Island University
• Always cite your sources!
• Be sure to use correct format for each different type of resource.
Need help? Have Questions?
Ask a Librarian; we are better than Google!
Robin Pachtman – 703-323-2328Reference – 703-323-3410
CG300