This document provides an overview of resources and services available at the Merced College Library. It discusses evaluating information based on currency, relevance, authority and purpose. Basic library resources are outlined, including books, CDs/DVDs, magazines, newspapers and vertical files. How to search the online catalog and access online resources through MC4Me are described. Services like computer use, printing, study rooms and photocopying are covered. The presentation aims to help students effectively find and evaluate information in various formats for specific uses.

1. Merced College Library

2. Getting Started with Research
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.

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

4. Evaluating
information
Based
on
Currency Relevance Authority Purpose

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 on Depends 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?

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

12. Please search the library catalog
now for a book and complete the
question on your quiz

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

14. Library services
 Computers are available to checkout for two
hours at a time on both floors. Printing is $.10 a
page using our $1.00 print cards. Wireless is available.
 Study rooms for groups up to 6 people can
be checked out on each floor. No food or
drink in study rooms. Room 201 for large groups can
be reserved in advance by contacting Dr. Walsh at 384 6082.
 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.

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

16. Now it is your turn! Please complete the quiz and
return it before you leave this session.
Library hours
Mon. – Thurs. 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Remember –
Drinks with lids are ok,
Except in study rooms or by computers
No food
QUIET, PLEASE!