Coloured cards If you find a coloured card at your seat please hold onto it. We will be asking you to read out the question written on the card. If you do not feel comfortable reading it aloud, please pass the card to another member of the group.

Classics Dissertation Information skills June 2007 Suzie Kitchin & Christine Purcell

Learning outcomes After this session you will be able to: discover the range of Classics resources available be able to search databases and find relevant material know how best to evaluate material know where to get help

I know what topic I want to study, but where do I start with searching for material?

Starting your search Classics subject pages – launch pad Classics subject pages Library Catalogue – advanced searching Library Catalogue

Effective searching (1) Synonyms e.g. drama, melodrama, tragedy Use British and American spellings Eg. humour / humor Wildcards e.g. organi*ation, colo*r AND, OR & AND NOT to join keywords

Effective searching (2) Truncation eg. drama* (drama, dramas, dramatic etc) Limits eg. date, language Search options Advanced search option / help Searching advice

I’ve found some useful books in the library on my dissertation topic but how do I find what else has been published on my subject?

Databases & E-books Databases Web of Knowledge FirstSearch L’Annee philologique E-books Eg. NetLibrary, Blackwell Reference Online

References and bibliography ALWAYS keep a full and accurate record of your information sources references to yourself Make sure you refer correctly to other authors within your work to avoid plagiarism Check Classics department required style

I will be doing my literature searching from home over the summer. How can I access material when I’m not in Durham?

When we don’t have what you need … Document delivery service Other Library Catalogues Visiting other libraries UK Libraries Plus SCONUL Vacation Access

Can’t I just use the Internet to do my research? I’ve found a lot of information on my subject there.

Internet resources Accuracy? Currency? Authority? Objectivity? Gateways for pre-evaluated resources Eg Internet ancient history sourcebookInternet ancient history sourcebook Eg. Intute for Classicsfor Classics Google Scholar (access via library pages)

How will I remember in a few months time where to go to access these resources?

Support and help Classics subject pages Research strategy handout (+ on web pages) Online enquiries service Academic Support Team Christine Purcell Suzie Kitchin

What now … Do some research of your own Seek further advice if required Good luck! Any questions? Please complete online evaluation before logging off your PC