Class Handouts and Teaching Materials

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 p[age identifies key elements of the Search Screen, and the second does the same for a list of Search Results and a Full Record.

 

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.

 

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. Includes suggestions on how to do each of these evaluative processes. Covers books, articles, and the web.

 

Information Timeline

Graphical depiction of the progression from primary to secondary sources.

 

Oral Histories, Diaries, etc.

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

 

Popular and Scholarly Sources Graphic

Two graphics that highlight the difference between popular magazines and scholarly journals.

 

Popular, Scholarly, and Trade Periodicals

Explanation, with examples, of the differences between popular magazines, professional or trade periodicals, and scholarly journals.

 

Search Strategy Builder

An interactive online version of the Search Worksheet (below). Fill in the blanks with search terms, click a button, and you'll get a fully formed search statement, ready to copy and paste into a database search box.

 

Search Worksheet—Search Strategy Builder (above) is an interactive version of this 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.

 

Top Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Finding Information

Everything from not waiting till the last minute to start your research to asking a librarian!

Presentations

Database Basics (PowerPoint)

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

 

Five Graphics for Class Sessions (PowerPoint)

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