research & resources @ the library prepared for: dr. norine verberg soci 290 and soci 210...

Research & Resources @ The LibraryPrepared for: Dr. Norine Verberg

SOCI 290 and SOCI 210

January 9th, 2012Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Outline• Information Seeking Behaviour• Navigating the Library Website• Subject Research Guides• Evaluating Information• Scholarly vs. Popular Sources• RefWorks• Citation Guides & Resources• Ask a Librarian!

Finding Information: Where do you go first?

Virtual Tour: Exploring the Library websitelibrary.stfx.ca

• Logging in to your library account• Searching the Library’s Collection• Journal Titles• Course Reserves• Favourites• Live Help

Subject Research Guides

• Find Books• Find Articles• Google Scholar• Open Access• Writing & Citing• Liaison Librarians• Help

Critical thinking: You must demonstrate that you are willing to examine popular beliefs, assumptions and opinions and weigh them against facts. Support your thesis statement with research.

Analyse your assignment questions:

What does this question mean?How much detail does your professor require?

Where do I begin?•Read about your topic – know your subject matter.•Brainstorm ideas• Think about Key Words & Key Concepts•Write your thesis statement

Evaluating Information

• Accuracy• Authority• Currency• Bias

Questions to ask:

Accuracy, Authority, Currency, Bias Is this source reliable? Is this source current? Have opinions changed? What are the current trends in this research area? Are there any gaps in the research? Is something missing? Who is the author? Are they an expert in this field? Do they represent multiple points of view or do they express bias for their

own point of view?

Scholarly vs. Popular Sources

Popular• Magazines• Written by journalists, students,

popular authors, or no author listed• Flashy covers• Advertisements• Brief articles• Trade Journals: Business, Finance,

Industry (Written by experts, but may not be peer reviewed)

• Newspapers

Scholarly• Journals• Written by experts• Evaluated by experts: “Peer Reviewed”• Authoritative Source• Usually include:

– Credentials of the Author– Abstract– Bibliography– Specialized vocabulary– Reference List

Questions to ask:

Library Workshops: Jan. 24 7:15 pmJan. 26 2:15 pmJan. 30 2:15 pmFeb. 1 7:15 pm

One-on-One Sessions: Contact Suzanne

Citing References: ASA Citation Style Guides

HM 561 A54 2007

StFX Sociology Department: ASA Style Guide

Image Source: http://robcrispe.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/info_overload.jpg

Ask a Librarian: We’re here to help you

• In-Library• In-Person

• Reference Desk• Personal Appointments• Email: refdesk@stfx.ca• Telephone: 867- 2242

• Online• LiveHelp

QUESTIONS ?

Thank You!Suzanne van den Hoogensvandenh@stfx.ca867-4535

Liaison Librarian for: • Anthropology• Development Studies• Political Science• Sociology• Women’s Studies