Library Resources Mara Bordignon, B.Sc., M.I.St. Information Services Librarian York Library

Outline for today’s class ► Research:  Topic development  Searching basics ► Seneca Libraries website ► Library databases ► Searching the Internet ► Citation: MLA

Research lifecycle… TOPIC: Genetic Engineering Evaluate: refine results Identify: Question or Search Statement Define: Keywords & Alternate Keywords Search Interface: access to books, journals, statistics, blogs, etc.

Searching: Define Research Question: Broad topic from your assignment choices: genetic engineering Possible Questions: What is the impact of Bio-Genetically Modified (BGM) Foods on traditional farming? OR What is the impact of Bio-Genetically Modified (BGM) Foods on human health?

Searching: Define Research Question: Broad topic from your assignment choices: genetic engineering Question: An investigation into the ethical issues surrounding cloning What are the Keywords you would use in your search? Genetic engineeringethics

Searching: Define Research Question: An investigation into the ethical issues surrounding cloning Possible Keywords and Alternate Keywords: Genetic engineering cloning bioengineering ethics bioethics

Web vs. Research Databases Web ANYONE can contribute Keyword: hit or miss Millions of hits from a variety of sources Hidden or Deep Web Fee-based services: pay for value added information Research Databases Published = review process or editorial policy Keyword (basic & advanced) and Browsing (Subject Indexing) +130 databases +21,000 ebooks +37,000 online journals, magazines, newspapers +200 High resolution Royalty-free image CDs Value added: formatting, analysis, reports, etc.

Seneca Libraries: VIRTUAL LIBRARY: … access to info you CANNOT find for free on the Internet … when asked to authenticate, use your Seneca Learn account Gravitonknowsbest. “computer book” Online image. Flickr Oct < gravitonknowsbest/ />

Books: where do you find them?

Find Books … Limit by location, format… Search within a field … title, subject, etc.

Find Books …

Results list

Book Record

Find a book (print or electronic) on your topic.

What are articles? Where do you find articles?

Journal  scholarly work  articles are written by experts in the field for a limited audience  includes an abstract (summary)  includes a list of references / bibliography  peer-reviewed VS. Magazine  popular work  articles are written for the average reader  glossy, colour format  many pictures and photographs  contains ads  available at supermarkets / convenience stores

E-Databases

Find the magazine “Maclean’s”

E-article ProQuest Science Journals

E-article Canadian Points of View

Find the e-database: “Academic Search Premier” Search your topic Find one useful article the article to yourself

Internet searching… Educate Yourself Google… top 10 Wikipedia or… Subject Specific Search Engine: e.g. or Hidden Web: info embedded in databases Quality sites: government, academia, experts/specialists GOAL: Quality Information Sources

How to avoid plagiarism Always acknowledge when you have used the words and/or ideas of another person by documenting your sources … “citing” Always acknowledge when you have used the words and/or ideas of another person by documenting your sources … “citing” In your program, you will use the MLA Style of citation In your program, you will use the MLA Style of citation Use the Seneca Libraries MLA citation guide (in print or online)… Use the Seneca Libraries MLA citation guide (in print or online)…

Citing Sources: Style Guides

Seneca Libraries MLA Style Guide

Hands-On … Time to work on your Research Assignment

Who Can I Ask If I Get Stuck? In Person: Ask for help at the Reference Desk Online: ca/Forms/lrc_asklibrary.html Live Chat: Instant message conversation with a librarian Your Professor