1. Dr. Jungkun Seo Ms. Beth Kaylor Day 2
PLS 201: Research Methods
Dr. Jungkun Seo
Ms. Beth Kaylor
Day 2

2. Databases
Your questions?
Which databases are your favorites? Why?

3. Search tips And, Or, Not Truncate for word variations
And narrows – Identify concepts
Or adds synonyms/related
Not excludes (use carefully)
Start specific, be willing to revise
Truncate for word variations
Immigra* = immigrant, immigrants, immigration
Words anywhere or phrase?
“public opinion”

4. Government Documents Our collection Finding aids
1965-became a depository
72% of depository items
Finding aids
Online catalog (1990-date)
WorldCat
Catalog of US Government Documents (1976-date)

5. Gov Docs – Detailed search
CQ Electronic Library
About Congressional issues
Lexis Nexis Academic
Legal: Codes & Cases
Gov’t Periodicals Index
Lexis Nexis Congressional
EbscoHost Military & Gov’t
Thomas (Congress)
Randall Gov Docs web page

6. Other Specialized Databases
Statistics
Statistical Abstract of the United States
Historical Statistics of the United States
World Development Indicators
LINC – North Carolina

7. More Specialized Databases
Polling Data
Polling the Nations
Odum Institute
Pew Research Center
ACRL Guide to Polling Data

8. Evaluating Sources Authority Scope Purpose Accuracy
Persuade or simply deliver?
Accuracy
Easy to Remember – 5 Ws and 1 H
Evaluating Websites
Evaluating News Magazines

9. Getting Help Let me count the ways! Reference Desk Telephone: 962-3760
Chat: On our web pages
By Appointment: