This document provides an overview of resources and services available at the Merced College Library. It discusses evaluating information sources based on relevance, currency, purpose and authority. Examples of primary and secondary sources are given. The library catalog and online databases are demonstrated as resources for research. Services like computer use, study rooms, printing and copying are reviewed. Contact information for librarian assistance is provided, along with library hours.

1. Merced College Library

2. Goals for this presentation:
 Students will be able to information in
various formats such as print and electronic
for specific uses.
 Students will be able to information
for its content, source, quality and relevance
in a variety of formats.
Getting Started with Research

3. Basic Library Resources
 Books
 CDs and DVDs
 Magazines and journals
 Newspapers
 Vertical File materials

4. Evaluating
information
Based
on
RelevanceCurrency PurposeAuthority

5. Currency-
 How current is the information?
 When was it published/posted?
 If it is a webpage, when was it revised?
 Are the links functional and up-to-date?

6. Relevancy
 Is the source relevant to the topic?
 Could you find the same or better information
from another source?
 Who is the intended audience?
 Is the information organized and in-depth?
 Is the source scholarly or popular?

7. Author
Authority
Educational
background
Professional or Personal
experience
Judged by
Depends onDepends on

8. Purpose/Objectivity
 Does the site seem biased?
 Is the main purpose advertising or
information?
 Is the purpose to inform, teach, entertain,
enlighten, sell, or persuade?
 Does the domain name give you a clue?
.com, .edu, .gov, .org, .net
 Is the source scholarly or popular in focus?

9. SCHOLARLY
OR
POPULAR?

10. Scholarly
Or
Popular?

12. Primary Sources
 A primary source is a document or physical
object which was written or created during
the time under study. Some types of primary
sources include: diaries, speeches,
manuscripts, letters, interviews, news film
footage, autobiographies, and official
records.

13. Examples of Primary Sources
Include:
 The Diary of Anne Frank
 The Constitution of the United States
 Supreme Court decisions and documents
 Historical photos or artifacts

14. What is a Secondary Source?
 A secondary source interprets and analyzes
primary sources.
 Secondary sources are one or more steps
removed from the event.
 Secondary sources may include pictures,
quotes, or graphics from primary sources.

15. Examples of Secondary Sources:
 Textbooks, magazine articles, histories,
criticisms, commentaries, and encyclopedias
 A journal/magazine article which interprets or
reviews previous findings
 A history textbook

16. Online Public Access Catalog
Search Screen
 Search by word or phrase, author, title,
subject .
 Write the number
down before you
go looking for it.

17. Online Resources through MC4Me
 Merced College MC4Me Log In Screen

18. In the web portal you have access
to many Library databases.

19. The next slide shows some of the
databases that are available in the
portal for your research.

23. Library services
• Computers and mini I-Pads are available to checkout
for two hours at a time on both floors. Printing is $.10
a page using $1.00 print cards, and $.40 for color.
Wireless is available.
• Study rooms for groups up to 6 people can be
checked out on each floor. No food in study rooms.
• Photocopies cost $.10 a page. We have copy
machines on both floors.
• Ask at the Information Desk if you need to use
scissors, a ruler, etc.

24. If you need further help, ask a Librarian!
We have text, phone and in person service when the library is open.

25. Merced College Library hours
Mon. – Thurs. 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Los Banos Campus Library hours
Mon. – Thurs. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.