Learning Resources

Institute for Work Based Learning DProfsLibrary Induction

Nazlin Bhimani, School Liaison Manager (EIS & iWBL)

Aims

The aim of this workshop is to introduce you to:• Learning Resources services and facilities

including DLSU• Resources including Library catalogue and

especially Electronic Resources• Basic research skills and importance of

evaluation

Learning Resources www.lr.mdx.ac.uk

DLSU

The purpose of research

• All research is undertaken for a reason ie. there is a question or problem that needs answering or resolving.

• The purpose of the research will affect how it is carried out.• Different subject areas favour and require different methods of research such as quantitative, qualitative, scientific, evaluative, action, case study, experimental etc. • There are a number of books available in the library that will

help you identify the methodology that is best suited for your research.

However, in order to carry out good quality research, there arecommon skills which should be utilised irrespective of theresearch method. These are:

• Systematic ie. logical, careful and orderly• Purposeful ie. for an identified purpose• Organised ie. structured and efficient• Critical ie. careful evaluation and judgment• Analytical ie. inquisitive examination of the facts• Able to communicate findings effectively ie. careful citation

and referencing

Basic Research Skills (literature search)

In order to get the best results from your research,you need to think about the following:

What do I need to find out? Why do I need this information? When do I need the information by? How am I going to find the information? Where am I going to find the information? Who created this information?

How am I going to find the information? ie. plan your search strategy

It is useful to start your research (literature search) by:• Thinking about the questions that needs to be asked in order

to find the information required• Outlining the main areas of interest, concepts, questions etc• Considering the scope of your subject and set limits if

appropriate• Background reading and brainstorming will help you to

understand your subject, make connections, and gather keywords (search terms)

• Consider search terms (alternative, broader, narrower) and related subjects.

Knowledge Management

Corporate

Individual

Dimensions of Knowledge

Organisational objectives

Competitive advantage

Innovation

Work Based Learning

Professional training and mentoring

programmes

On-the-job peer training & discussion

Personal development

Job satisfaction

Staff development

Improved performance

Increased productivity

Tacit

Explicit

Subconscious

Internalised

Conscious

Enhanced skills

Trainer

Codified knowledge

Formal apprenticeship

Learning process

CaptureCreation

Reuse

Research skills

Professional development

Share and transfer

Experience

Qualification

Continuous improvement

Targets

Where am I going to find the information?

• Primary and Secondary sources• Internet• LR website www.lr.mdx.ac.uk:

o The Library Catalogue (books, journals, DVD/video, dissertations etc)

o Library Subject Guides o Electronic Databases o Electronic Journalso Electronic Bookso Electronic Newspapers

Library Catalogue

Electronic Journals

Electronic Resources

Library Subject Guide

Internet: Subject portals search engines

Use these resources to find quality informationon the internet:Intute http://www.intute.ac.uk/Pinakes http://www.hw.ac.uk/libwww/irn/pinakes/pinakes.htmlAlacra Wiki http://www.alacrawiki.com/ (business and marketing)Scirus http://www.scirus.com/srsapp/ (scientific)Google Blog Search http://blogsearch.google.com/Healia http://www.healia.com/? (medical)Quintura http://www.quintura.com/MetaCrawler http://www.metacrawler.com/metacrawler/ws/indexSearch Cube http://www.search-cube.com/http://www.philb.com/webse.htm

Who created this information: Evaluation

• It is important to evaluate your search results for relevance and quality ie. Is it what you need and is it trustworthy?

• This is especially important when using the Internet.

• Consider the following.....

• Authority : Who is the author/site creator? Does the site originate from an organisation or an individual? What is their knowledge base, qualifications etc?

• Relevance : Is this what I need? Will it answer my question? Is it at the right level?

• Intent : What is the purpose of website/information e.g. financial gain, propaganda, academic etc?

• Objectivity : Balanced view? Opposing views represented? Links to supporting information?

• Currency: How old is this information? When was it last updated and by whom? Is the site regularly maintained? Do the links work?

Keeping Current

• Setting up email alerts of journal table of contents http://zetoc.mimas.ac.uk/

• RSS Feeds – Blogs, websites, journals, databases

• Organisations relevant to the subject area• Online newsletters• Mailing lists e.g. JISC• Twitter http://twitter.com/wblmdxlibrarian

Help & SupportHelp and support is available from Learning Resources:

Your subject support librarians are :Nazlin Bhimani n.bhimani@mdx.ac.ukVanessa Hill v.hill@mdx.ac.uk

Learning Resources provides a comprehensive collection of guides and helpsheets. These can be found on the Learning Resources website www.lr.mdx.ac.uk

You can log calls on the http://webhelpdesk.mdx.ac.uk and get an email response to your query.