Research Matters: Library resources and search strategy advice
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This document provides an overview and outline of a library research session aimed at students. The session covers an introduction to library search tools and resources, developing effective search strategies using keywords and Boolean operators, evaluating sources, managing references, and where to get help from the library staff.
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Research Matters: Library resources and search strategy advice
- 1. Research Matters: Library resources and search strategy advice Rosemary Maddy Assistant Librarian @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities
- 2. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Outline of today’s session Overview of the Library Library Search Resources for your subject Search tips and techniques Managing your information Where to get help
- 3. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities
- 4. Explore and discover with LibrarySearch Books, articles and much, much more Full & mobile views
- 6. http://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/sels Quality resources selected for your subject area with guidance and advice SubjectSupport
- 7. Searching tips and techniques
- 8. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities A search strategy is simply taking a more organised approach to finding information. By taking time to think about search terms, their combinations and the information sources, you will save time and effort in the long run.
- 9. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Creating a search strategy University of York
- 10. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Identifying keywords Compare and contrast the function of the dreamworld in medieval literature and modern film
- 11. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Keyword alternatives Function Role Purpose Dreamworld Dreamscape Dream-vision Liminal space Other world Medieval literature Romance Work of Chaucer The Book of the Duchess Modern film Science fiction Andy and Lana Wachowski The Matrix
- 12. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Keyword searching tips and techniques Found too much? • Combine search terms with AND • Use “speech marks” around phrases • Use more specific search terms • Apply limits • Search a more specialised resource Can’t find enough? • Combine search terms with OR • Group alternatives in brackets (speech OR communication) • Truncate search terms (dysphagi* finds dysphagia and dysphagic) • Use alternative search terms • Search a less specialised resource Start broad, narrow down, keep refining!
- 13. Kahoot.it
- 14. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities • Who is it aimed at? What is it trying to achieve? • Educational/informational/persuasive/personal…? • Web addresses give clues eg. gov, com, edu/ac, org Purpose • Who has written it? What are their credentials? • Can you contact them? Has it been recommended? • Can you trust it? How do you know? Authority • Is there verifiable evidence? • Has the source been peer reviewed? • Is there evidence of bias or sponsorship? Accuracy Currency Relevance • Is it up to date? • If a website, is the site maintained? • When was the last updated date? • Is it appropriate for your research? • Is it what you set out to find? Evaluation
- 15. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities
- 16. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Can’t find what you need? Reserve a book (make a Hold) • Login to Library Search and click Hold/Reserve Use Books on Time to recommend a book • http://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/services/suggest-book.php Use Inter Library Loans • http://www.ncl.ac.uk/library/services/inter-library-loans/ • Up to 25 requests per year • £1.50 nominal cost to you (we pay remainder) SCONUL Access Scheme • Visit other UK university libraries. Research postgrads can borrow items. • http://www.sconul.ac.uk/sconul-access
- 17. @nclroblib University Library Explore the possibilities Referencing – good practice Why reference? • To make your own contribution clear • To acknowledge source material • To ensure reader can find source material • To avoid plagiarism Your referencing must be: • Comprehensive • Accurate • Consistent Guidance • Cite Them Right http://www.citethemrightonline.com/ • Referencing Guide http://libguides.ncl.ac.uk/referencing
- 18. How will you manage your references?
- 19. Help and support
- 20. libhelp.ncl.ac.uk Phone 0191 208 7662 Text / SMS 0191 328 0570 Email libraryhelp@ncl.ac.uk Live 24/7 chat libhelp.ncl.ac.uk@nclroblib @NULibraries newcastleunilibrary
- 21. Faculty Liaison Librarians Library skills sessions Drop-in events One-to-one consultancies
Editor's Notes
- Before we get started – ask who has been a student at Newcastle before? Explain that some of the resources they may have used in the past have changed slightly! Library Search, Reading Lists module
- Play welcome video. Video is linked in the image. 4.02 After video has played point out the 3 things that you need to remember to get the most out of the Library – Library Search, Library guides and Library Help.
- Quick demo of library search Search terms romance in nineteenth century literature mention difference with everything & everything except articles Look at an electronic resource Saving searches to your account
- Library Search is a good starting point for essays and research, but at Masters level you should always use specialist subject databases too. All of the databases for your subject, plus lots of other resources, can be found on your subject guide.
- All the resources that you need for your subject area are on your subject guide. A mini web site of lots of useful resources especially specialist databases. NEW RESOURCES – Perdita manuscripts Point out the main databases eg., Scopus, LION, JSTOR, MLA BoB – show clip – Pride and Prejudice – use advanced search to search for title only. Early English books etc Browzine
- So how do we make sure we are finding what we need from all these searchable resources?
- Video is linked in the image. 3:31 long
- Working in reverse as unlikely you have a question in mind. I tend to recommend writing down or mind mapping the key themes to do with your thinking. Which are the broadest terms, which the narrower terms?
- From slide
- Show how some of Kirsty’s techniques can be put into practice’ Access subject guide from library website Demo SCOPUS as an example of large keyword database (other examples are Library Search, Google Scholar, etc) Science fiction “science fiction” “science fiction OR fantasy AND robots Use * fantas* robot* Limit to ARTS then exclude 2017 results Click into record and point out keywords that were used in search are highlighted in yellow. Note References and Cited by. 360 degree searching. If are starting from a few known sources, search for them first and check records to get inspiration for the search strategy? Mention export of citation to EndNote and other referencing tools, as well as option to copy the citation, saving searches and creating alerts by creating a personal account in databases and accessing full text using the pdf/find at NCL links. If time, demo LION Different type of database, dedicated to literature and literary texts.
- Kahoot – search tips quiz
- Evaluating the information Once you have found the information the next stage is evaluating it. It might not be fit for purpose so you need to consider these areas? It might be that you have to go back to the drawing board, look at your search terms and techniques and search again.
- Might show the 6 questions video instead of talking through the previous slide.
- Encourage to place holds. If the number of holds exceeds the number of copies we look for more ways to access. Additional copies, ebooks. Book on Time but isn’t unlimited Inter library loan Consider visiting libraries nearby. Show other non-universities libraries on tab on the Subject guide
- School of English uses MLA referencing style Show how to get to referencing guide and click on MLA tab. Show them the MLA referencing blog.
- You will probably be collecting more information than you will have used in the past so it’s worth having a system to keep track of the evidence you’ve gathered, where it came from and the details you need to reference it later on. Doesn’t have to be complicated. You can just use a Word document and type or cut and paste everything you find as you go. Or, to save time at the end, but requiring a bit more time at the beginning, use a referencing software like Mendeley or EndNote. University supports EndNote and we have a comprehensive guide with a Teach yourself Endnote guide.
- Section slide
- Show how to get to Library Help and the knowledge base of FAQs.
- Intro liaison team. How would contact us = library help and subject support pages help section. Put your subject area in and it’ll come to the correct people.