The document provides guidance on finding research materials using LOIS and library databases at SCC. It discusses using keywords and subjects to search for books in LOIS, and how to refine searches using Boolean logic operators. It also lists some specific databases for articles, such as CQ Researcher, JSTOR, and Academic Search Premier, and provides tips for choosing a database and constructing effective searches. Contact information is given for getting additional research help.

1. Finding research materials in LOIS and library databases ENGWR 300 (Hansen), Fall 2008 Jeff Karlsen, LRC Librarian

2. Doing research in LOIS and text databases: Getting started What is your topic ? You should be able to summarize it in a single phrase What are keywords ? Ideas, phrases, topics When you search for information, you can combine them

3. SCC Library Home Page: Gateway to Books and Articles http://scc.losrios.edu/~library

4. Using LOIS: beginning the search When searching for books on a particular topic, you have a choice of searching by keyword or by subject Keyword searching Ideas, words, phrases—found in title, subject, author, chapter titles

5. LOIS Reading a LOIS record Good subject headings; click on one to see more books on the same topic Your keywords are highlighted

6. LOIS Search by Keyword, or Subject? Keywords: more results, less precise Subjects: fewer results, more precise

7. THE ANSWER: Use Both

8. The Next Step Try different keywords Truncate (*): politic* (political, politics, politicians) government* (government, governmental) corrupt* (corrupt, corrupts, corruption) Use AND and OR

9. Important search tips: Boolean logic AND finds only those materials that contain BOTH terms OR finds materials that use EITHER term (more results) NOT (sometimes AND NOT ) finds articles that contain one term, but not the other. politic* AND corrupt* corporat* OR business* corrupt* NOT africa*

10. Databases Articles from scholarly journals, newspapers, magazines, some reference sources (including the Oxford English Dictionary) Over 40 available @ SCC Many publications simply not available on the Web SCC pays $$$$ for your access to them

11. Choosing a Database

12. CQ Researcher: In-depth reports reasonably current information Start with simple keyword search

13. JSTOR: Advanced Search screen Leave unchecked JSTOR has lots of reviews

14. Academic Search Premier: Advanced Search screen check these if you’re not getting enough results (and)

15. Questions? Need more help? E-mail me: [email_address] Find handout and other info for this session at http://scc.losrios.edu/~karlsej/instruction Call the reference desk: 558-2461