This presentation discusses finding information for education research. It addresses common problems like overreliance on few sources or non-academic sites. The presentation aims to increase awareness of available materials, make searching less frustrating and more productive. It encourages attendees to consider where and why they search for different types of information, and when books, journals, the internet or audiovisual media are most appropriate. The presentation then provides guidance on finding journal articles using databases like British Education Index, PsycInfo and Web of Science, and using Google effectively to find official policies or information from organizations.

1. BA (Hons) Education:
finding information
Peter Coyne - Information Adviser
Falmer Library

2. Why we’re here…(problems)
a) the sparseness of some of the references pages;
b) over-reliance on one or two sources their work;
c) increase in use of non-academic sites (squidoo.com);
b) the lack of 'books' being used.

3. Why we’re here…(solutions)
• awareness of materials for use
• make your searching less frustrating
• make your searching more productive

4. Have a think…
• Where do you search for info?
• What makes you decide?
• Why would you want to use a journal article?
• Why would you decide to use a web page?
• What’s appropriate information? Inappropriate?

5. Why use what when???
Books Overview, history, theories
Journals Up to date info. Also look at specific issues
Internet Official info (e.g. government policy)
Audio-visual Easier introduction to issues. Accurate?
Newspapers Up to date news. Bias?
An Information
11/11/2011 Services Presentation

6. Finding journals...by using databases
“I want to search across a wide range of
journals to see what’s available on a
specific subject”
An Information
11/11/2011 Services Presentation

7. Database Details
Databases...(2) UK focus (BEI) / education focus
British Education
Index/Australian/ERIC
Cognitive / behavioural / motivation etc
PsycInfo angle to info – very good education focus
Collection of selected (i.e. prestigious)
Web of Science journals across many disciplines.
Wide range of topics – improving content.
Google Scholar Good secondary source.
An Information
11/11/2011 Services Presentation

8. Using Google effectively…
• Use for government policy
• Use for organisation (e.g. Literacy Trust)
• Advanced Search
An Information
11/11/2011 Services Presentation