This document provides guidance on finding and evaluating research materials from library databases, the web, and subject directories. It discusses choosing keywords and database search screens, evaluating websites for authority and bias, and getting help from the library via email, phone, or online form. The main topics covered are selecting appropriate search terms and databases, evaluating the reliability of web and directory sources, and contacting the librarian for additional research assistance.

1. Finding research materials in library databases and on the web ESLR310 (Ford), Spring 2008 Jeff Karlsen, LRC Librarian

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

3. Choosing a Database

4. Keywords: building blocks for searching Words or phrases related to your topic Examples: Otzi Iceman “ Frozen Fritz” (When it’s a phrase, put it in quotation marks)

5. ProQuest Research Library: Advanced Search Screen Start on advanced search screen connectors Important! Get full articles, not just citations Looking for current information? keyword 1 choose “document text” to search whole article keyword 2

6. ProQuest Research Library: Results screen what kind of sources do you need? build on your current search

7. World Wide Web: Evaluating Websites Who is responsible for it? When was it last updated? Does it contain a lot of ads? What sorts of other sites does it link to? Does it show obvious bias? Does it cite references for the information it contains?

8. Subject Directories: Find more reliable information The Librarians’ Internet Index http://lii.org/ INFOMINE http:// infomine.ucr.edu /

9. Questions? Need more help? E-mail me: [email_address] Call the reference desk: 558-2461 Use the “Ask a librarian” button on the library’s home page: http://scc.losrios.edu/~library