This document provides an orientation for students taking LIS 557, outlining the resources and services available through the Bruce C. Clarke Library. It discusses the library hours and facilities, course materials available for support, effective search strategies using databases and the internet, examples of relevant library databases, and tips for evaluating web resources. The goal is to introduce students to the library and help them develop research skills for their course assignments.

1. ORIENTATION
LIS 557
Kenneth Howard
kenneth.howard@eagles.usm.edu

2. AGENDA
• LIBRARY OVERVIEW
• COURSE ASSIGNMENTS (LIBRARY SUPPORT)
• SEARCH STRATEGIES
• DATABASES
• WORLD WIDE WEB
• EVALUATION OF WEB RESOURCES
• QUESTIONS
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3. LIBRARY OVERVIEW
• HOURS
– 1st Floor: M-Th 1000-1800 2nd Floor: M-Th 0715-1800
F Closed F 0715-1700
S-S 1000-1700 S-S Closed
• SERVICES
– Computers: 1st floor 34 public access computer s on a commercial network
2nd floor 36 student computers on .mil network (CAC access only)
– Printing: All computers are networked to a local printer. Computer users must bring their own paper for printing.
– Copying: 1st floor - one reference and on pay copier ($.10 per page). 2nd floor - one reference and one student copier
(must supply paper for student copier)
– FAX: No public fax capabilities, however a digital sender is available
– Battle Analysis/Staff ride materials: Battle bibliographies kept at Circulation Desk and Staff ride materials kept on
Reserve shelves.
– Interlibrary loans (ILL): If we don’t have a resource that you need, we can order it. Please allow 7-10 days to get
these materials.
• RULES/REGULATIONS
– Cell phone free zone (Put cell phones on ‘vibrate’ and take your calls out in the breezeway)
– No food in the library.
– NO DRINKS in the computer lab areas
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4. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Materials are available to support the following:
• Staff ride
• COIN (Counterinsurgency) reading
• Battle analysis paper
• Cultural awareness paper/brief
• P.E. & F.E. examination study materials
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5. SEARCH STRATEGIES
• Search Strategies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcMEIE4ehfs
• Goals:
– Be able to define topic
– Understand importance of search strategy
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6. SEARCH TOOLS
Two of the most popular tools for searching are:
• Databases
• The internet or World Wide Web
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7. DATABASE RESOURCES
• Databases: Collection of data organized especially for rapid
search and retrieval
PROS CONS
 Articles are indexed and  Search results limited to specific
searchable through variety of database content
methods  Access limited to library card
 Information is controlled holders or members
(reliable, reviewed)
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8. LIBRARY DATABASES
• UMI/PROQUEST • EBSCO
• Criminal Justice Periodicals • Military & Government Collection
• Ethnic News Watch (Historical) • International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center
• Historical Newspapers: New York Times (1851-2006) • Academic Search Premier
• Newsstand • MasterFILE Premier
• Military Collection • Business Source Complete & Regional Business News
• Civil War Era • Footnote (Genealogy)
• ABI / INFORM Research (business & finance) • GreenFILE
• History Reference Center
• GALE • Professional Development Collection
• Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) • Points of View
• Business & Company Resource Center • World History Collection
• Biography Resource Center • Greenwood: Daily Life through History Premium Edition
• Literature Resource Center • Audiobook Collection (EBSCOhost)
• Science Resource Center • eBook Collection (EBSCOhost)
• Academic & General OneFile
• Military & Intelligence Database • NEWSBANK
• 19th Century Newspapers • Government News—Army Times-AF Times-Marine Corps
• What Do I Read Next? Times-Navy Times-Federal Times
• Student Resource Center—Gold • Military and Government Publications
• General Reference Center—Gold
• Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
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9. INTERNET RESOURCES
• World Wide Web: Part of the Internet accessed through a
graphical user interface and containing documents often
connected by hyperlinks
PROS CONS
 Search return results from many  Content results must be verified
sites  Illusion of free content
 Anyone can use the web
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10. EVALUATION OF WEB
RESOURCES
• Goals:
– Know elements of a good web site
– Be able to identify reliable web sites
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11. WEB SITE EVALUATION
• Currency
 When published? Updated?
 Is information current for topic?
 Do all links work?
• Relevance
 Does the information relate to the topic?
 Who is the audience?
 Is the information at the age appropriate level?
• Authority
 Who is the author/creator/sponsor?
 What are their credentials?
 Is there contact information?
 Does the URL tell you anything about the author ? (.gov/.com)
• Accuracy
 Is the information source cited?
 Has there been any review of the information?
 Are there any spelling or grammar errors?
• Purpose
 What is the purpose of this site? (Inform? Teach? Entertain?)
 Is the purpose clear?
 Is there any bias?
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12. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR
ATTENTION
QUESTIONS?
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