Using the Library effectively for Education Studies Suzie Kitchin - October 2008

Aims of the session To help you to: Identify and find items on your reading lists Find information relevant to your needs Identify keywords for your assignments Know where to go for help

Library basics University Library - 4 libraries Opening hours Loan entitlements Durham University Contacts / support

Library services Laptop loan Study rooms / spaces Long opening hours Borrowing and returns Off-campus access Disability support

New Students support Face-to-face tours – book now! Audio, virtual and self-guided tours Online training Library catalogue is THE gateway to print and online resources

Plan your assignment research What are you actually looking at? Decide on your keywords & synonyms Do your search Different spellings Review your results Modify search if necessary

Search strategy Assignment topic – Role of special needs support in schools –What information are you looking for? –Alternative terms –What date range? –Primary or secondary?

Keywords / search terms Special educational needs (SEN) Types of needs - Dyslexia / autism / aspergers Gifted and talented Policy (school and government) Code of practice Case studies Secondary or primary Child development Behaviour management Support staff

Effective searching Boolean operators: AND, OR & AND NOT Behaviour management AND NOT dyslexia Behaviour management AND dyslexia Behaviour management OR dyslexia

Types of resources

Resources Ofsted reports Surveys Statistics Official publications Organisations Discussion groups E-prints Legislation Books & e-books Directories Journals & e-journals Conference proceedings Theses Academics & librarians

Freely available web sources Subject Gateways (via Subject Information pages) Google Scholar ac.uk or edu sites Why evaluate?

Book References Arnold, C. (2001) Child development and learning, 2-5 years: Georgia’s story. London: Paul Chapman. Siegler, R. (2002) ‘The rebirth of children’s learning.’ in Desforges, C and Fox, R (ed.) Teaching and learning: the essential readings. Oxford: Blackwell, pp

Shelfmarks Books on similar topics shelved together (Prefix) - Class number – Suffix Examples: KENRegular size books ABR Oversize Pam SIMPamphlet

Journals Regular peer reviewed publications Information on very specific topics Up-to-date information, news, reviews etc; Print and/or electronic versions Databases search multiple journals White, J. (2004) ‘Should religious education be a compulsory school subject? ’ British Journal of Religious Education, 26(2) pp

References and Bibliographies ALWAYS keep a full and accurate record of your information sources references for saving from Library catalogue or databases Make sure you refer correctly to other authors within your work How to avoid plagiarism

Any questions? Liaison librarians for Education Suzie Kitchin Christine Purcell