This document provides an overview of Laksamee Putnam's library instruction session on finding information using Cook Library resources for WRIT 312 students. It introduces library resources like databases, search tips, evaluating sources, and citation help. It demonstrates how to search the library catalog and databases for scholarly articles on a given topic. Tips are provided on evaluating web and scholarly sources. Students are instructed to do a guided search of the literature, find a source to cite, and ask any questions. Contact information is provided for Laksamee and reference librarians for additional help.

1. Laksamee Putnamlputnam@towson.eduResearch & Instruction LibrarianWRIT 312:Finding information using Cook Library Resources

2. First…Laksamee Putnamlputnam@towson.eduCook Library Reference:410.704.2462.IM/emailPhone: 410.704.3746.Twitter: @LibrarianLaks

3. Take away…Introduction to Library ResourcesSearch TipsPlaces to get startedEvaluating SourcesCitation Help

4. The Research ProcessInterpreting the AssignmentSelecting a TopicIdentifying & Listing VocabularyReading Background InformationRefining a TopicUsing Online Databases& IndexesCiting SourcesEvaluating SourcesGathering SourcesDrafting Paper or PresentationThe Research Process

5. Library HomepageMain websiteOff campus loginJournal ListCatalogsNeed help/Ask a LibrarianCourse GatewayResearch -> Course Gateways -> Select a Course (WRIT 312)Encyclopedia of Scientific Principles, Laws and Theories

6. Search TipsBoolean “search connectors”Stephen Hawking AND PhysicsseismoscopeOR seismometer

7. Search TipsTruncationTechnolog*Technolog-yTechnolog-istTechnolog-icalTechnolog-icallyBe careful where you put the truncation symbol!

8. Search TipsWhat is a peer reviewed article?Reviewed by scientific experts in the fieldProvides more credibilityImage taken from The Publication Cycle and Scientific Research tutorial

9. Scholarly ArticlesPopular ArticlesMultiple authorsAuthors affiliated with a universityNumerous referencesAn abstractAt least several pages in lengthSingle author with no credentialsNo citationsNon-technical languageLots of picturesShort lengthSearch TipsCheck out this video help guide for more info!

10. Searching for Scholarly ArticlesMost efficient way: Cook Library DatabasesAcademic Search PremierScience Citation IndexScience DirectHistorical Abstracts

11. Database Search DemoCourse gateway for WRIT 312Academic Search PremierChoose Databases Historical Abstracts, GeoRefTopic: Seismometer

12. Web Source Issue #1: QualityEvaluationAuthority/Authorship – Determine who is responsible for the information. What are his/her credentials?Currency – Is the information current and up-to-date? Is there a publication date?Objectivity – Is there any bias? What is the purpose of the web page (to inform or to persuade)? Scope – Are sources cited? Is the subject covered in depth?Usability – Is the site easy to navigate? Are spelling and grammar correct?

13. Searching the WebTry different search enginesGoogle ScholarScirusVadloLimit to .gov or .eduFor example, you can usually search “topic” + .gov“transmission electron microscope” .gov

14. Why is it important to cite your sources?Allows your readers to verify and identify where the information and ideas in your paper originatedGives credit to the owners of the ideas (not plagiarizing)Get credit for your own ideasRequired for assignmenthttp://icanhascheezburger.com/2007/09/12/copy-cat/

15. ParaphrasingUsing an idea and putting it in your own words…(sentence by sentence)Avoid “paraphrase plagiarism”--where your paraphrase is too similar to original sourceUsing a thesaurus ≠ your own writingRemember to cite! A paraphrase must always be documented.Avoid cutting and pasting anything but what you use as direct quotes.

16. APA Citing ResourcesCook Library – Citing Sourceshttp://cooklibrary.towson.edu/styleGuides.cfmOWLhttp://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

17. Worksheet!Answer the various questions as you:Do the guided searchFind a scholarly article on your scientific instrumentCreate a citation for your articleAsk if you have questions!

18. Questions?Feel free to contact me:Laksamee Putnamlputnam@towson.edu410.704.3746.Twitter: @LibrarianLaksOr any reference librarian:Visit Cook Library Reference Desk410.704.2462.IM – tucookchat