This document provides an overview of library resources for students in ENC 3250, including identifying and using the course guide, performing database searches in ABI Inform Global, evaluating primary and secondary sources, and the CRAAP test for evaluating sources. It outlines objectives like being able to locate the course guide, interpret search results to find citations and availability, distinguish between source types, and identify ways to contact a librarian for help. Students are then guided through hands-on activities like searching a database for an article and evaluating it using provided worksheets. Formatting citations in MLA style and getting additional research assistance are also covered.

1. LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR
ENC 3250

2. INTRODUCTION
Katherine Ahnberg,
Academic Services Librarian
keahnberg@usf.edu

3. SESSION OBJECTIVES
After this session, you will be able to:
● Identify the location of the LibGuide for ENC 3250 on the USF Library web site
● Perform a basic search in a guide database (ABI Inform Global)
● Interpret a basic search result to identify an article citation, availability of full text,
and format
● Distinguish between primary and secondary sources
● Distinguish between scholarly vs. trade journal articles
● Employ the CRAAP test to evaluate found sources
● Identify 3 ways to contact a librarian to obtain additional assistance​

4. THE USF LIBRARY WEB SITE
Did you know there’s a library website
just for your class?
ENC 3250 Course Guide
1. Navigate to the USF Library website
2. Click on Guides
3. Click “Course Guides A-Z”
4. Locate ENC 3250

5. SEARCHING ABI INFORM/GLOBAL
● Search by keyword
● Interpreting search results for:
o Peer review
o Full text availability
o Resource format
● What kinds of sources would you expect to find?
o Primary Sources
o Secondary Sources
o Scholarly Journals
o Trade Journals

6. PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY
SOURCES
Primary Data:
o statistics
o government
documents
o scientific reports
o blogs
Secondary Data:
o biographies
o literary criticism
o analysis of clinical trials
o essays

7. EVALUATING SOURCES
The CRAAP Test
● Currency: When was the article published?
● Relevancy: How much does it pertain to your topic?
● Authority: Who is the author? What are their credentials? Is there a
bias?
● Accuracy: Is it cited? Supported by evidence?
● Purpose: Is the author seeking to inform? Persuade? Sell something?

8. HANDS-ON!
1. Using ABI Inform, or one of the other databases listed
on the course guide, search for an article pertaining to
your topic.
1. Select an article from your results list and keep it visible
on your computer screen.
1. Invite your partner to evaluate the article using the
worksheet

9. MLA CITATION STYLE
● How many citations are required for your
recommendation report?
● Library’s MLA Guide:
● http://lib.usf.edu
● Click “Research Tools”
● Select “MLA Style”

10. GETTING ADDITIONAL HELP
To get additional research assistance, use Ask a Librarian
on the library homepage:
● Phone
● Chat
● Request an appointment