This presentation is an introduction to research vocabulary and strategies. The target audience is students enrolled in WRIT095: Developmental Writing at Montana State University Great Falls. Download the presentation for audio.

1. Using Academic Search Premier: A Beginner’s Guide to Library Research This presentation was developed for WRIT 095: Developmental Writing at Montana State University Great Fallsby Jana Carter during the Fall 2009 semester

2. Game plan Get your ideas on paper before you begin looking for information. Write an outline, make a mind map, or take extensive notes before you hit the library!

3. What is an index or database? Like any list of contacts, but searchable by any criteria you can think of (keyword, author, title, subject, date, publication, to name a few) The Library’s databases provide full-text articles from publications from all over the world The Library’s databases also provide a pre-screened content – you don’t have to worry about whether it’s true, only about whether it’s relevant to your paper

4. What it looks like

5. Anatomy of Academic Search Premier Search boxes. There are three blank fields in which you will enter your search terms. Search Options. There are check boxes and dropdown menus to help you set limiters and expanders.

6. Search terms and limiters A search term is a word related to your topic Look for the intersection of your search terms Be flexible – look for synonyms, fewer terms, more terms, or use the subject terms that the database suggests if you’re not getting good results Narrow the search by setting limiters – set the source type, publication year, or full-text options to modify results

7. Choosing search terms In this case, the search terms are too vague In this case, the search terms are more specific

8. Accessing the Indexes & Databases Follow these hops to get to Academic Search Premier Start at the Weaver Library’s Indexes & Databases homepage, http://library.msugf.edu/IndexesDatabases.html, then click Academic Search Premier, and click View site. If you’re planning on working at home, stop by the Library so that the staff can set you up with a Proxy account!

9. Refining search results It’s essential to stay flexible! Look for synonyms, fewer terms, more terms, or use the subject terms that the database suggests if you’re not getting good results Brainstorm with a classmate! Talking through your ideas may give you a useful perspective and good ideas Ask for help when you get stuck! Both your instructor and the Library’s staff are old hands – asking is relatively painless