The document provides a comprehensive guide on library research skills specifically for using the Empire State College online library, detailing steps for conducting academic research, such as clarifying the assignment and developing a research question. It includes techniques for evaluating sources, using keywords effectively, and employing search strategies like Boolean operators. Additionally, it highlights the importance of avoiding unreliable sources and offers resources for citation styles and plagiarism prevention.

1. Introduction to Library Research Skills Using the Empire State College Online Library to Research & Evaluate Information Sources

2. Agenda The Steps in Conducting Academic Research Using The ESC Library Evaluating Sources

3. Steps to Conducting Academic Research Step 1 – Clarify the Assignment Step 2 – Develop Research Question/Thesis Step 3 - Identify Keywords Step 4 – Understand Basic Search Techniques Step 5 – Begin Research Process

4. Step 1 – Clarify Assignment Is topic specified? Consider the … question(s) you are asked to address/create discipline through which you are approaching the topic specific thing(s) you already know/want to know about the topic What are the basic requirements? Length of paper required? Audience for your research Time you have available to research What citation format is required? MLA – Modern Language Association Used in the Humanities APA - American Psychological Association Used in the Social Sciences Ask your instructor any questions you may have at beginning of process!

5. THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND YOUR TOPIC! Know what you are being asked/what you must address What interests you the most about the topic? Make a listing of questions you would like to have answered about the topic What would capture the interest of the reader? Pick issue that can be researched Make sure topic is not too broad nor narrow in scope Resources: WORKSHEET Information Literacy– Designing Research Question www.esc.edu/writer - Go to the “Research Room” Step 2 – Develop Research Question/Thesis

6. Step 3: Identify Keywords Keywords : Any informative words in the text of a document, chosen as indicating the main content of the document. CAUTION Keywords and subjects are not the same. Keywords are significant words from a document used as an index to content. Subjects are the main focus of a work. Subject headings are assigned from standards created by catalogers. Unless you know the word you are looking for is a subject heading, your search maybe unsuccessful. Therefore, it is a good practice to start with a keyword search!!

7. Step 4: Understand Basic Search Techniques “ Quotation Marks” & (Parenthesis) : allows for the search of groups of words occurring together EXAMPLES “ workplace literacy” “ sleep deprivation” Combine Words and Phrases

8. Boolean Phrases And = a grouping of two specific ideas (ex. Hurricane and Katrina) Or = one idea or anther idea (ex. United states or America) Not = Only one idea but not any other (ex. exercise not therapy)

9. Combine Words and Phrases Using Boolean Searching AND NOT OR Click here for a link to more information about this search technique Source of Pictures: ESC Library website

10. Use Truncation Truncation: to use a shortened form of a word to search for all alternate endings. sleep* will result in sleeping, sleepy, sleeps depriv* will result in deprived, deprives, deprivation

11. Step 3 – Begin Research Process WHAT TO USE -- ESC Online Library http://www.esc.edu/- Click on My ESC, then Library and Learning Resources – go to Find Info Quick Start Tutorial All Databases & Subject Guides Provides links to all databases based on subject area College recommended academic focus websites WHAT TO AVOID General Google searches Avoid certain “sources” i.e., Wickipedia, unsubstantiated sources such as blogs, statements from non-experts.

12. Using the ESC Online Library The Best Links for Conducting Your Research

13. WHAT DO I RESEARCH? Locate background information using summaries and overviews in "reference" materials. Find books on your topic. Use online database services to search for periodical articles using online indexes and abstracts. Research your topic on the Internet using search engines and subject directories. Evaluate, document and organize your resources.

14. A great way to get a little more background on your topic that can help you to search. www.esc.edu/library

16. Links to a comprehensive annotated listing of all the databases the library subscribes to – a one-stop-shopping site for your research. The 3 best databases are EBSCO, JSTOR & PROQUEST. EBSCOHost Here is where you start to find your research.

17. Best Search Sites to Go To Jstor – Most Academic Ebsco – Combo Academic & Popular Proquest – More popular & academic EBSCOHost

18. The databases are listed in alphabetical order so you can find the databases that you are looking for

19. Before you can start your search EBSCO host will ask you to choose a data base before you can do your search. To start your search There are ways that you can refine your search.

20. Here are some ways you can refine your search Make sure your spelling is correct

21. Take advantage of the online e-books

22. Search like you would for a journal. You can also see if there is a book for you in print.

23. You must be create an account before you are able to save any e-books to your book shelve. For directions go to books, scroll down to ebarry and then click on here how to link. Once you have an account you can save any books that you want to use for your research.

24. Click on the book that you would like to read. Your login and password are required to access the book.

25. Under the Multimedia tab you can access pictures video and audio

27. For more specific information on MLA, APA or Chicago styles of citation Click the tabs. If you are not sure how to cite your papers this is a good reference to see how. Here is some resources to avoid plagiarism and to make sure credit is given when it is due.

28. Start to Read your book. Add to your book shelf and pick up where you left off later

29. If you need Help you can always ask a Librarian with the instant Chat or send them an e-mail or all by clicking on the Ask Librarian link. Other Useful information

30. For more help with the online library go to a workshops conducted through the library

31. What Additional Library Resources Do You Have Access To??? Academic Library Services Public access to academic libraries will depend upon the nature of the institution (i.e., public university, private college, community college, etc.). Generally, you may be able to use materials within the library itself, but will not be able to borrow books or use interlibrary loan. Some institutions also restrict public access to certain times of the day, so it’s a good idea to call ahead. If you use a library at a State University of New York (SUNY) or City University of New York (CUNY) institution, you will have partial access to the collection under the SUNY Open Access and CUNY library agreements. Public Library Services The major benefit is that you will have full access to library services in your city or county of residence. As collections tend to support the general interest needs of its community, collections will be limited in the availability of "scholarly" materials. Depending upon the size and funding of the library, interlibrary loan services may be available.