Stevens Library’s Guide to Research

beyond personal knowledge Research… …requires you to go beyond personal knowledge

Resources in the Library Books Periodicals Magazines Journals Newspapers Databases

Selecting Your Topic Indexes list aspects of a topic under that topic. Get ideas – Indexes list aspects of a topic under that topic. - Index to an encyclopedia - LC Subject Headings Select a Topic That Interests YOU!!

Get an Overview of the Topic A. Use 1. Dictionaries 2. Encyclopedias 3. Internet/ Databases B. Pay attention to: 1. key words* 2. dates, etc.* *They are clues for further research

Search Strategy NARROWING YOUR SEARCH Add more search terms Limit search by Full text Date Format  One period of person’s life One phase of a general topic One campaign Or by geographical area or time period Format – Books, or Journal Articles, Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Search Strategy EXPANDING YOUR SEARCH Search different databases Think of synonyms for search terms Explore different facets of a concept

IMPORTANT!! START YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY!! The bibliography contains all the books and materials you have used to get information. If you quote from any of these items, they will be used as endnotes, footnotes or in your work cited page. Get the: 1. Author 2. Title 3. Publisher 4. Place of Publication 5. Date of Publication (edition, or volume) 6. Page number(s) 7. Web address if necessary

Why do I need a bibliography? So someone else could find the same information. To establish the credibility of your ideas. Just because you may have a good idea doesn’t make it true. To give credit where credit is due. If you use someone’s words or research, you need to acknowledge them.

EVALUATE ALL WEBSITES!! The Web makes all sources look like they have the same value; they do not. Just because a Web site looks pretty doesn’t make it good. If you use poor resources, you get a poor paper. Garbage in, garbage out!

Authority Accuracy Currency Objectivity Relevance Purpose Web Evaluation Authority Accuracy Currency Objectivity Relevance Purpose

Wikipedia DO... use Wikipedia to become familiar with a topic or as a starting point for research use Wikipedia to find more search terms or keywords for your research topic maintain a level of skepticism when reading Wikipedia articles https://pitt.libguides.com/wikipedia/usingwikipedia

IS NOT A CITABLE SOURCE…. Wikipedia IS NOT A CITABLE SOURCE…. DON’T... cite Wikipedia articles in your bibliography for assignments or papers treat information on Wikipedia as facts, especially when concerning legal or medical advice https://pitt.libguides.com/wikipedia/usingwikipedia

Plagiarism A.K.A. “literary theft” involves two kinds of wrongs: THEFT: Using another person’s ideas, information, or expressions without acknowledging that person’s work. FRAUD: Passing off another person’s ideas, information, or expressions as your own to get a better grade or gain some other advantage.

Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Through this service we are able to obtain many materials (books, articles, documentary DVDs) you may require for your research. Requires 7-14 days to acquire the materials Do Your Research EARLY - PLAN AHEAD Ms. Erica Patel – Library Assistant patel@stevenscollege.edu telephone: 717– 391-3502 May be able to obtain other materials also, videos, CDs, etc.

You are NOT bothering us; we are here to help! Please ask at the LRC front desk for assistance. You are NOT bothering us; we are here to help!