Where Are You Getting Your Research Information From? Mary Gosson Library Media Specialist North Syracuse Junior High

Teachers and Librarians in the North Syracuse Central School District see the quality of student research papers declining. The problem, they think, is in the source of the information students are finding.

The Steps of the PPA Step 1: Define the Problem Step 2: Gather the Evidence Step 3: Identify the Causes Step 4: Examine an Existing Policy Step 5: Develop Policy Solutions Step 6: Select the Best Solution (Effectiveness vs. Feasibility)

Why does it matter? Isn’t all information the same? Where do you go for information for research papers? Books Online Databases for Journal/Magazines Google

Before the internet, students main source of information for research came from books and magazines or journals.

With the advent of the internet, journals transitioned to online databases.

Let’s Compare Books, Online Databases and Google Books Publisher determines whether content is print worthy = authority Google Anyone can put up a web page = no authority Online Database for Journal Searches – Publisher determines whether content is print worthy = authority

Problems with Google Searching Isn’t always clear who authored the site Many websites are not updated What’s the bias? Is it factual or someone’s opinion? Is it just a hoax?

Decide for Yourselves Examine one of these websites. Is it a reliable source for information? Why not? Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus Holocaust Shakespeare