Post on 20-Jun-2015
ENGL 1102 Information Literacy Outcomes Critically evaluate information using applicable
criteria Appropriately use information to fulfill the
identified need
Library research
What do I want to know?Define an information need and develop a strategy
How do I find it?Know where to look Implement search strategy
How do I know if it’s right for me?Evaluate information before you use it
Define an information need
Review your assignmentHow many sources? What type(s)? What is the audience? What is the intended purpose?
Brainstorm for ideasTalk to friends; browse web; read newspaper
Identify main topic and related conceptsUse a thesaurus; break down by subtopic
Put it all togetherDevelop a search strategy
Search strategy Use “ “ or ( ) to keep words together & in order, i.e., “senior citizens” or (senior citizens)
Connect with Boolean operators
AND = narrow
OR = expand
NOT = exclude
• AND is automatically used by Google and other search engines to combine terms.
• Sometimes a program will use a + or – to substitute for AND or NOT
PUT IT INTO PRACTICEDeveloping search terms
Search terms Use these anywhere
CONCEPT 1
Main topic
CONCEPT 2
Related concept
CONCEPT 3
Subtopic
AND AND
OR
synonym
OR
synonym
OR
synonym
OR
synonym
OR
synonym
OR
synonym
KNOW WHERE TO LOOKBooksArticlesOnline resources
Books comprehensive information historical perspective expert analysis find book titles in the CSU Catalog
CSU Catalog
NOTE: You can use Boolean logic in both basic and advanced searches.
Articles contemporary or new information narrowly focused perspective may be popular, trade, or scholarly find articles in a database
citation full-text
Articles
How to find: Articles
General, multidisciplinary databases
Academic Search Complete
Select Advanced Search
Search Strategy = adoption AND rights AND “gay parents”
different ideas connected with AND
Use suggested subject terms for brainstorming
Search Strategy = adoption AND (rights OR laws) AND (“gay parents” OR homosexuals)
similar ideas connected with OR
Remove limiters by clicking the orange X
Limit results by availability, type, or date
Article Access Level
Detailed Record
Online Resources today’s information broad, variety perspective questionable reliability and stability find resources from reliable online sources
How to find: Internet ResourcesSearch engines not all created equal!
Subject directories organized links to resources
Professional & Trade organizations websites provide industry news, directories, etc.
Know Your Domains
Extension Type
.edu Educational institution
.org Non-profit service organizations
.gov Government agency
.mil Military entities
.biz Businesses
.com Commercial organization
.net Internet service providers
Critically evaluate information using applicable criteria
EVALUATING INFORMATION
Evaluating InformationAuthorityCurrencyContent
Audience Purpose/Scope Objectivity/Bias Accuracy Quality
TIP: Trust no one!
Evaluate: AuthorityWho wrote the information?What are his/her/their credentials? What affiliations, if any, does the author have?
Is contact information provided?Who published the work? Who sponsored the work?
Evaluate: CurrencyWhen was the work published? Are there multiple editions? Examine currency of references
NOTE: Old ≠ Bad! ex: Historical information does not need to be revisited as often as technological information
© 2012
Evaluate: Content
Who is the intended audience? What is the purpose? What is the scope? Examine objectivity Examine for accuracyIs the information verifiable? Evaluate overall quality
Authority Currenc
y
Content
Content
Authority
Authority
Currency
Content
Content
Authority
Currency
Content
Content
Authority
Authority
Currency
Content
Authority
Currency
Putting it all together Know your assignment Clarify your topic Be flexible in your search Critically evaluate your resources
Next steps
Appropriately use information to fulfill the identified need
Go to: http://clayton.libguides.com/ENGL1102 for tips on citing sources and avoiding plagiarism