Class Handouts

Printed Materials

Most files are in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view them. In most cases, this software is already installed, but if you need to re-install it, you can download it from the Adobe Reader website.

Basic Searching Concepts

Definitions of database, record, and field; explanations and examples of Boolean connectors, phrase searching, truncation, and search limiters.

 

Common Elements of a Database

Sample screens from Academic Search Complete. The first one identifies key elements of the Search Screen, and the second one does the same for a sample record for an article.

 

Freshman English Research Guides

Research guides for two different themes used by freshman English classes: Current Issues and Events, and Cultural Icons and Artifacts. Each guide covers basic reference sources plus search tips for finding books, articles, and websites.

 

Hints on Evaluating Sources

This page outlines some of the criteria you should use when deciding what sources you might wish to use for a research project. Covers books, articles, and the web.

 

Oral Histories, Diaries, etc.

A page in InfoTree that lists good sources for finding oral histories, diaries, personal journals, etc.

 

Popular and Scholarly Sources

A one-page chart that compares characteristics of popular magazines, trade publications, and scholarly journals.

 

Search Worksheet

A page guides you through the process of brainstorming for words to use for searches, to organizing them in logical groups, and finally using them to do actual searches in databases. The first page is a blank form for you to use; the second page is an example of how the worksheet might be filled out. There is also a Microsoft Word version for in-class use which you should open in Read Only mode and then display sample search strategies. Also, here is a worksheet already filled out, on social networking software.

 

Three Kinds of Search Tools Compared

A table that highlights the features of Article Databases, Library Catalogs, and Web Search Tools, with a second page that compares web search engines and web directories.

 

Presentations

COMS 103 Library Instruction (web-based)

A series of screenshots, designed to accompany the library research portion of COMS 103, illustrating the use of basic library research tools.

 

Database Basics (PowerPoint)

Covers definitions and basic principles of searching: database, record, and field; Boolean operators; controlled vocabulary; truncation; phrase searching; etc.

 

Facebook meets FindIT! (PowerPoint 2007)

A comparison of features between Facebook and OhioLINK's "FindIT!" feature.

 

Four Graphics for Class Sessions (PowerPoint)

A PowerPoint show featuring: It's Not All in Google, Librarians Like to Answer Questions, Question All Authority, and Research Is a Word Game.

 

Search Tools (PowerPoint)

Covers major categories of web search tools: search engines, directories (indexes), and meta-search engines.