Let's Review!
The last time we met, we discussed scholarly research, basic navigation of the Barber Library website, and search techniques to find broad, overview information in encyclopedias like Credo Reference and Gale Virtual Reference Library.
We asked ourselves:
Today we'll discuss creating effective keywords, article databases, annotated bibliography, and getting help at the Barber Library.
But first, let's review the things we already know using the Google Form below. You might want to open a new tab to the Barber Library website and navigate between this site and the library's to complete the questions.
We asked ourselves:
- What do you want your information to do for you?
- What do you want your information to be like?
- Where does information come from?
Today we'll discuss creating effective keywords, article databases, annotated bibliography, and getting help at the Barber Library.
But first, let's review the things we already know using the Google Form below. You might want to open a new tab to the Barber Library website and navigate between this site and the library's to complete the questions.
Construct an effective keyword search for your research question.
Unlike encyclopedias, where we're searching for broad information and therefore use broad keywords, articles are complex and therefore allow us to use complex keywords.
Protip: You should avoid combining more than four concepts in one search so that you don't get too specific and narrow your results to 0.
Protip: Avoid using relationship words like pro, con, best practice, negative, positive, etc.
But how do you combine those concepts in a library database? Use advanced search techniques, of course!
Boolean operators: Limit your results using AND, expand your results using OR, eliminate unnecessary results using NOT
Protip: make sure to use all caps when using Boolean operators.
example: (food OR meal OR nutrition) AND public school NOT elementary
Truncation: If you're looking for a word with plurals or various endings, try using the truncation command *
example: relation* will search for results that contain relation, relations, relationship and/or relationships
Phrase Searching: If you want your keywords to appear in a specific order, like a phrase, try using quotation marks ""
example: "public school*"
Title Searches: Too many results? Using the drop-down menu next to the search bar, limit your search keywords to only appearing in article titles.
Protip: You should avoid combining more than four concepts in one search so that you don't get too specific and narrow your results to 0.
Protip: Avoid using relationship words like pro, con, best practice, negative, positive, etc.
But how do you combine those concepts in a library database? Use advanced search techniques, of course!
Boolean operators: Limit your results using AND, expand your results using OR, eliminate unnecessary results using NOT
Protip: make sure to use all caps when using Boolean operators.
example: (food OR meal OR nutrition) AND public school NOT elementary
Truncation: If you're looking for a word with plurals or various endings, try using the truncation command *
example: relation* will search for results that contain relation, relations, relationship and/or relationships
Phrase Searching: If you want your keywords to appear in a specific order, like a phrase, try using quotation marks ""
example: "public school*"
Title Searches: Too many results? Using the drop-down menu next to the search bar, limit your search keywords to only appearing in article titles.
Let's practice using the Google Form below.
Know the difference between the use of library resources: Article Edition.
If we're thinking back to the first three questions, and my answers were to find highly specific information in a scholarly, authoritative format, then articles are for me! Because I'm looking for specific information, I'm going to use specific keywords! Let's start exploring using the Google Form below.
Here are suggested article databases to get you started:
- Academic Search Premier
- CQ Researcher
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Use the Google Form below to guide your search.
Annotated Bibliographies
For this class, you are asked to create an annotated bibliography. But what is an annotated bibliography?
Here are some resources to get you started:
Here are some resources to get you started:
How to get help from librarians.
I know that there's a lot of information here, and you might still have questions, even after this session. That's what librarians are for! You can always contact me, but there are also several other options for you to contact any Barber Library librarian.
Just look for this icon or go directly to the Need Help? page under Quick Links and you'll be connected to someone who can help you come up with keywords, cite your sources, choose databases, and help with your general library needs! |