This document summarizes a library instruction session on researching for class assignments. It introduces the librarian Laksamee Putnam and provides her contact information. It reviews finding books and scholarly articles, using keywords and databases. Students are instructed to search for materials on their topic and fill out a worksheet. The next session will discuss plagiarism and citation styles.
4. Real research is complicated
Can you think of any
other examples of a
“magical database”
with all the answers?
Where do you find
books/articles for your
classes here at Towson
University?
How many places do
Slackerz web comic. 2007. you look?
http://theslackerz.com/index.php?nav=Comic
&Page=26
Kimbel Library Instructional Videos. Scholarly vs Why are scholarly
Popular. http://vimeo.com/13186317 articles important for
your assignment?
5. Review
Keywords
AND OR NOT
Check for CRAP
Currency
Reliability
Authority
Purpose/POV
6. Putting it all together…
What are some ways elementary teachers can assess
whether a certain technology solution is effective?
teach* assess* technolog*
instruct* evaluate* comput*
method* test* [software name]
learn*
teach* OR instruct* OR method* OR learn*
AND
assess* OR evaluate* OR test*
AND
technolog* OR comput* OR kidspiration
7. Finding Books
Plenty of relevant
information in print
Use broad keywords
Multiple places to search
Cook OneSearch
Library Catalog
USMAI Libraries
12. Finding Articles
Content providers you should use:
Academic Search Premier
Education Research Complete
ERIC
SocINDEX
ScienceDirect
Social Sciences Abstracts
PsycINFO
13. Finding Articles
Features to remember
Yellow Findit button
Citation creations
Email yourself
Also as you are searching
Take a look at the article citations
Make note of additional keywords
14. Research time!
Go find books and articles on your topic
Fill in this worksheet:
http://bit.ly/TSEMbmcarthursurvey12
Email yourself anything you want to
remember
Next library session:
Two readings and discussion questions
Discussion on plagiarism and citation style
15. Questions?
Feel free to contact me:
Laksamee Putnam
lputnam@towson.edu
410.704.3746.
Twitter: @CookLibraryofTU
Or any reference librarian:
Visit Cook Library Reference Desk
410.704.2462.
IM – tucookchat