Navigating the Sea of Information
Navigating the Sea of Information SUBJECT: research skills
LEVEL: beginning
PURPOSE: to help students develop skill in the beginning steps of the research process
SYNOPSIS: a video showing the struggles a student encounters as she attempts to do research in preparation for a biology class paper. By beginning research without a plan or strategy, she quickly becomes overwhelmed by the huge amount of information available. She literally does not know where to start. With the help of a librarian she is able to develop a strategy for narrowing her focus. This plan produces a manageable number of resources which directly relate to her subject.
"Research takes time and gets faster with practice."
Step One
Using the Reference Collection to find background information
- Use the inverted triangle of information as a guide.
- Narrow your focus by noting key words and phrases.
- Note bibliography resources that relate to your narrowed focus.
Step Two
Search for availability and location of resources.
- Note the call number. Since most libraries are organized by discipline, books on similar subjects will also be found around this call number.
- Note subject areas listed for each resource. Use these subject areas listed for each resource.
- Spelling, order, and combinations of words can make a big difference in the results of your search.
- Additional Databases. Use the information provided in the citations from promising resources to find other keywords, relevant authors, or other useful information.
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Delta College - Library (110)
1961 Delta Road
University Center, MI 48710
Phone: 989-686-9016
Fax: 989-686-4131
e-mail: library@delta.edu
Last updated: 5/10/2010