Introduction  For your graduation project you were able to select the topic that you were interested in, so that should make writing your paper a little easier. You also are very lucky that you get to do research and include it in your paper so you don’t have to make up seven pages worth of ideas yourself. The writing should be in your own words, of course! If you have good research it makes writing a good paper much, much easier.

Introduction  Your graduation project paper must be a RESEARCH PAPER and that you must consult the articles, reports and books written by others who are a specialist in your subject area. You get a better grade on your paper if you use lots of up to date, accurate and authoritative sources and cite them in MLA style.

Introduction This is a section of the graduation project rubric, or scoring guide used to grade your paper. The library has books and online resources for you.

Introduction  Primary Sources-First Hand Information  Interview an expert  Create a survey on your topic  Journal or Log of your experiences  Photographs or video of an event

Introduction  Secondary Sources  Usually books or journal articles  Provide “second hand” information  Analyze and interpret data

Finding Books  To find books use the library’s catalog.  Go to the school’s web site at wah.abss.k12.nc.us and click on the left side where it says Library Media Center

Finding Books

 To search for books scroll to the second square box labeled Library Links and Online Catalog. Then click Western Alamance High School.

Finding Books  From the search screen you will notice there are many searching options. You will also notice we have a small library. Think of your topic question. You will not be able to type it in this box and find a book. Think about words related to your topic question.  What type of education and training is required in order to become a Veterinarian?

Finding Books  Let’s brainstorm some words that we could use for searches. These are called keywords.  Education  Veterinarian  Vet  Veterinary Science  Animal Care

Finding Books  Let’s type the words into the “Find” box.

Finding Books  Let’s discuss our results.

Finding Books Let’s discuss where you would find these books, plus general encyclopedias in the library.

Finding Books  During this week of graduation project research we aren’t checking out books. You can use them here and then leave them on the cart. To cite your book you will need:  Title  Author  Publisher  City  Year Last Name, First Name. Title. City Published: Publisher, Year Published. Print.

Finding Books  May Memorial Library has an online catalog where you can search for books at  They are open Monday-Thursday from 9-9. Saturday 9-6 and Sunday 2-5.  To get a library card you should bring ID and a parent if you are under 17.

Finding Books  Ask for help if you need it and good luck with your research!