LIR 10: Review Checklist
As we come to the end of the class, we can take a look back at the materials we have covered.
You have explored and processed quite a bit. Here are the key concepts we have looked at.
1. Indexing concepts of sources: catalog, databases and websites: Remember all
the databases, files, and many web sources are accessed through indexing of some kind.
Keywords
Authors
Titles
Subjects
Special features – URLs, call numbers, etc.
You may have all of the above or only some of these access points depending on what resource
you are using.
1. Searching techniques
Resources in the library (such as the OPAC, online subscription databases and reference books)
all feature indexing access points. When you start the research process you need to remember
how to use these.
 Use Boolean search operators (AND, OR or NOT) for many of the sources. You can
combine terms, accommodate spelling and plural variations (with truncation and
wildcards), eliminate terms and create phrases.
 Look at the Advance Search feature to increase your skill with the search engine,
database or catalog. All of them have special features that can make your results more
specific and relevant.
 HELP works very well in new databases that you want to try.
2. Defining and narrowing your topic



You will be looking for the key terms or concepts for your broad topic so that you can
focus your research.
Think of synonyms or alternative words for the keywords.
Remember that not all the sources use the same words for everything. You adapt your
terms to the source.
3. Use Reference sources to find background information and narrow your
topic




They will help you find key information about your topic.
Help you narrow your topic or broaden it.
Give key concept and relationships to connect the topic.
Use bibliographies to “mine” citations for further research
Tools to use: Encyclopedias, reference area. Reference area generally is the best starting point
for back ground information. It will have historical and objective perspective. Remember this
material does not circulate.
4. Online Public Access Catalog.
3/9/2016
The library catalog (OPAC) is used to find books on your topics. The catalog will also give you
subject headings and related terms you can use. Books provide in depth information on topics.
You may find entire books are written on your topic. Chapters in books show you the
interrelation of topics. Information in books gives you background study of the topics. Key
researchers in the field are often mentioned or cited.
You still need to determine if the book is well written and how accurate the information is.
Search points are author, title, subjects and keywords. You can also use limits and qualifiers to
find special kinds of resources.
The collection of books and sources is limited to the libraries included in the database. This can
be one library or institution (SRJC) or several as in the UC/CSU system (Melvyl). You can get
books from other libraries through the interlibrary loan process.
5. Databases
Databases are collections of information. There are several kinds of databases. Some are
reference tools (books) that have been transferred to electronic format and enhanced through
better indexing and links to the web. Some databases are collection of indexes to journals and
magazines. These have included some full text articles and enhanced indexing. There are also
special databases that were created to be used electronically.
Tools to use are author, titles, dates, keywords and phrases. Use the help screen for problems and
additional search information.
The key to remember is that different publishers have created them so they look and work
slightly differently from each other. You need to become familiar with their specific tools and
methods. Libraries have to subscribe or pay for access to the information. Access is limited to
members of the participating community.
Searching in databases methods
Magazines and journals:
Remember these have citations, abstracts and full text articles. Many have subject directories that
you can use to refine your topics. You need to be careful to search effectively so you will not
eliminate possible articles using the wrong subject or keywords. You also want to use the best
keyword or subject so you don’t get too many.
Magazines and journals provide current and focused information. Most articles do not have the
overall or in depth coverage of a topic that you find in books. Articles are useful for updating the
book information.
Newspapers:
Many of the journal indexes may also index newspapers. However the SRJC Libraries subscribe
to a database that is special collection of newspapers (ProQuest Newspapers). Newspapers use
the same index features in journals but also have special features like bylines and special section
features. You need to use the advance search features to be come proficient in using them.
3/9/2016
Newspapers are useful for the most current information. They are not comprehensive or all
inclusive. The article tries to cover the current trend or change in the topic. You need to get
supplemental information to round out your research or verify the information you find in the
newspaper. There can be changes in the information that happened later that may or may not get
reported.
Subject databases:
These are special topic databases that focus in certain subject areas. You need to review the
content and determine if the collection relates to your topic. These databases may have short or
long articles. Encyclopedias, dictionaries, art and literatures sources are examples of some the
SRJC subscribes to. Your must use a password to access this information.
The indexes points are author, titles, subject and keywords. But remember that the keywords and
subjects relate to the specific content of the collection. All subjects will not be in every database.
To review the SRJC database collection use the link from the SRJC Libraries homepage for
Magazines and Databases. http://www.santarosa.edu/library/ftdb/
6. Evaluation criteria of print materials
Author, purpose, relevancy, references
Just as you need to be careful when using web sources, you also must evaluate print sources
using the same criteria. Remember to verify information and data from a variety of sources so
you are sure that it is accurate. Or if you have identified it as bias, you need to be aware of the
other side’s issues so you can credit or verify your own position. As you use each source, you
should be asking yourself the questions that relate to evaluation.
7. Differences between Objective and Subjective information
Objective information is unbiased and verifiable by facts or statistics. It is based on undisputed
information. You use this information to support positions and make valid points. It will support
what you say because it is believable, and based on proven empirical data.
Subjective information is opinioned and unsupported. It is someone’s interpretation. It may agree
with your position but cannot stand alone as a support for an argument. You need to find an
objective source to collaborate the information. If you are interpreting an essay or literary wok
you can use it to agree with your interpretation.
8. Difference between Primary and Secondary Sources
Primary information is source material from the time of the event or by the person who it
happened to. It may be a newspaper article, diary or report written at that time. It is current to the
event or person… straight from “the horse’s mouth.”
Secondary sources are written after the event or about the person. It may describe or talk about
the event or interpret the event. You use these to support your position. It is useful to help
provide information about something.
3/9/2016
Remember the sources are written after the fact. The source may provide addition information
unknown at the time of the event. It may provide another side or relationship about a person.
13. Difference between Popular and Scholarly
Popular sources are written for the general public. The writing is for basic information and
understanding. The topics are those in the news or of current interest. The research is limited to
superficial analysis. These sources are used sparingly in academic research. The information is
current. Editorial oversight is limited to the board of the magazine.
Scholarly sources have major research supporting the information. The articles are usually longer
and written by and for the specialist in the field. They present the best and most respected work
in the field. The reviewers are usually specialists in the same field. You will be expected to use
some of these sources as part of your research.
Remember: In both of the magazine/journal databases the SRJC libraries subscribe to, you can
restrict your search to this type of source. Use it whenever you can. It will make your paper
better.
5. Web searching
Web searching has several nuances that can make life easier or more confusing. Because there is
so much out there, it is critical to become astute at searching the web. Although natural language
searching- you type in your subject and the search is performed - is a quick and easy way, it
often retrieves millions of results. And with the changes in the order of retrieval results, you may
not get the best first. Remember some web sites pay to be put at the top of the results.
It is especially important to have good terms and concepts to use when you are working on the
web- so you can get the best and least numbers for your results. Only 20-30% of web sites are
ever indexed by any given web search tool.
The search tools or access points are:
 Search engines- You enter your terms and get results back
 Subject directories- There are a list and hierarchy of subjects that the search designers
have created. Each web site included in the collection is assigned to at least one of them.
You can search using the subject links or by putting in your terms. They allow you to
refine categories if you start with broad categories and follow the links to more specific
topics.
 Metasearch engines- These search several search tools (engines) at once. You need to be
careful because your search strategy may not work the same in each of them tools that
metasearch engine goes to. You may get too many hits or miss some sites because of the
search strategy.
Refine your search or try another search engine if your search results are not
relevant.
Tools to use: Use the web to get special, current or focused information. Remember you need to
be very careful about evaluations. The web can give you some indication how much information
you will find. You can use subjects or key words. You have special ways to limit your searches
including phrase searching, limiters and Boolean operators. Remember to use advanced features
and limits.
3/9/2016
9. Evaluation criteria of websites
WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN
Author, purpose, bias, publisher, relevancy
Remember these key evaluation criteria when looking at web sites. Because everything and
anyone can be put on the web, it is necessary for the researcher to be wary. You should always
double check you sources and information you find on the web. Using only the web for academic
research is not a good strategy. Most instructors will ask that you use several types of sources
and corroborate your information. Using these criteria will help you evaluate the source for
accuracy, bias, and purpose. All these are part of the decision of whether the source is relevant or
fits your research needs.
If you need to review the criteria use the web evaluation link from the SRJC Internet Reference
page. http://www.santarosa.edu/library/Refs
14. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is stealing someone else’s ideas and writings. You do this when you use the ideas and
writings and do not give the author proper credit. In academic research and writings you must
acknowledge the original source, even if you summarize and paraphrase from the sources. You
can use other writers’ works but give them credit. You will use the MLA or APA style of citation
to do this. Remember you can be expelled or flunked for plagiarism.
15. Citation Formats.
A "citation" in a works cited gives all of the elements needed to find the original work
Most SRJC instructors will require a citation format for your papers. The MLA (Modern
Language Association) style format is the most common. Some will ask for the American
Psychology Association (APA) style. Each requires the same information but put in different
order. The order and punctuation is important and needs to be followed exactly. There are no
short cuts- just follow the examples as listed in the Works Cited style sheet or online link.
Generally you will need the following:
Use the Library Instructional Guide - How to Cite MLA. More detailed information can be found
in the MLA Handbook (Ref LB2369 G53) and MLA Style Manual (Ref PN147 G444)
SRJC Library handout for doing an MLA List of Works Cited: "How to Cite"
<http://www.santarosa.edu/library/Refs/cite.shtml>
Elements of a Citation:
Author
This is who wrote the article, book or web site. The source may have one or
several authors, editors or corporate authors. It may also have no author.
Title of the Article or
Information Piece
This is the title of the article, essay or web page. This maybe harder to
determine. Sometimes there is none but usually it is at the beginning of the
page.
Title of Periodical or
This is the title of the magazine, journal, or newspaper. For collections of
3/9/2016
Originator
essays this would be the title of the anthology (book). For web sites this would
be the name of the organization or company responsible for the site
(Originator).
Place of Publication
or URL
This identifies which edition you are using for printed books. For web sites it
identifies the address or location of the page.
Date of article and/or
Date of Access
It is important to identify when you saw the site- since the Internet changes so
much. This helps identify if the page has been modified or if it has disappeared.
16. Use Your Librarian.
Remember librarians are experts in finding information. Use them when you are having
problems and need help. They can get you started or refocused. Check with your instructors as
well. We all want you to succeed.
Finals Note:
Remember to review the handouts and links that you have from the course. The final will consist
of a multiple-choice exam.
PLEASE bring a Scantron card and pencil with you to the final. See you on
November 16th!
3/9/2016