Introduction to Research
This is a sample Information Literacy webpage developed for class instruction to provide out of class information, which could be created and linked off of the library's webpage, or using a platform such as LibGuides.
Resources for Freshman Composition Course
As we discussed during your library information session, there are many databases which may be of use for you during your research process. Here are links to some of the more general databases in which to begin your searches:
Academic Search Complete - this is a general multi-disciplinary database that has information on almost every topic.
CQ Researcher - this is another general database with information on most contemporary topics, with coverage beginning in 1991.
Remember, when conducting your research, use KEYWORDS with those Boolean Operators (and, or, not) to make your search more effective.
Resource Evaluation
When evaluating the resources that you have found, keep these questions in mind:
Authority/Bias
1. Who is the author of this resource? If it is a website, is the author listed and able
to be found?
2. What are the author’s credentials? (Degrees, work experience, etc..)
3. Is the author biased in any way?
4. Does another group, organization, or institution sponsor the site or publication?
5. If this is a website, what is the URL domain (.com, .edu, .gov, etc…)
Accuracy
1. Is the information presented well researched?
2. Is there a bibliography provided?
3. When was the site/article published?
4. If this is a website, does it list when it was last updated?
As we discussed during your library information session, there are many databases which may be of use for you during your research process. Here are links to some of the more general databases in which to begin your searches:
Academic Search Complete - this is a general multi-disciplinary database that has information on almost every topic.
CQ Researcher - this is another general database with information on most contemporary topics, with coverage beginning in 1991.
Remember, when conducting your research, use KEYWORDS with those Boolean Operators (and, or, not) to make your search more effective.
Resource Evaluation
When evaluating the resources that you have found, keep these questions in mind:
Authority/Bias
1. Who is the author of this resource? If it is a website, is the author listed and able
to be found?
2. What are the author’s credentials? (Degrees, work experience, etc..)
3. Is the author biased in any way?
4. Does another group, organization, or institution sponsor the site or publication?
5. If this is a website, what is the URL domain (.com, .edu, .gov, etc…)
Accuracy
1. Is the information presented well researched?
2. Is there a bibliography provided?
3. When was the site/article published?
4. If this is a website, does it list when it was last updated?