This document outlines an instruction session on using databases. It provides an agenda that includes reviewing a previous class, discussing the Cook OneSearch database, doing a scavenger hunt activity in groups to search databases on assigned topics, and independent research time. Key points are reviewed on evaluating sources and developing effective search strategies using keywords, synonyms, and Boolean operators. Tips are provided for finding books and articles in databases and identifying peer-reviewed sources. The session concludes with a discussion of the activities and assigning follow-up readings on plagiarism. Contact information is provided for the instructor for any additional questions.

1. TSEM 102:
Using Databases
Laksamee Putnam
lputnam@towson.edu
Research & Instruction Librarian
Slides:
http://bit.ly/tsemfathfa16slidesc2

2. First…
 Laksamee Putnam
 lputnam@towson.edu
 Cook Library Reference:
 410.704.2462.
 IM/email
 Phone: 410.704.3746.
 Twitter: @CookLibraryofTU
 Albert S. Cook Facebook profile!

3. Agenda
 Quick review of last class
 Pre-class discussion on Cook OneSearch
 Group work
 Scavenger hunt
 Compare results between different databases
 Independent research time

4. Review
 Evaluation
 Check for CRAAP
 Currency
 Relevance
 Authority
 Accuracy
 Purpose/POV
 Keywords
 Synonyms
 Website searching

5. Putting it all together…
 How have processed foods negatively altered the
health of Americans?
Processed food OR junk food
AND
Health OR obesity OR “body mass index”
AND
United States OR USA OR North America
processed foods health Americans
convenience food
junk food
food preservation
fitness
BMI
obesity
United States
North America
children

6. Real research is complicated

7. Cook OneSearch
 What books did you find?
 Were the books at TU?
 What features helped you find books?
 What articles did you find?
 Could you find the full text?
 How did you know it was a peer-reviewed
article?

8. Finding Books or Articles

9. Finding Books or Articles

10. Finding Books or Articles

11. Databases to use

12. Research Scavenger Hunt
 Choose a group topic
 Complete the paper
worksheet
 Email your pictures to
me from your smart
phone:
 lputnam@towson.edu
 Ask if you need help!
 Return to class!!
Card Catalogue. [Photographer]. Retrieved from
Encyclopædia Britannica Image Quest.
http://quest.eb.com/images/115_2838287

13. Discussion
 How did your book search go?
 Was it hard to find the book on the shelf?
 How did your article search go?
 What database features did you use?
 How can you print this article?
 Let’s look at these pictures…

14. Thank you!
 Next library session–
 Readings and discussion on plagiarism

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