English

Sarah Brick Archer
Assistant Professor of Library Services
L308B
ext. #3267

                                Why do research?

Research can lead to information; information can lead to knowledge, and knowledge is powerful. All of the informational resources available originated from someone being curious about something, exploring it, and sharing the findings.

                               How is the NSU library organized?

Maps
Library of Congress
Hours


  Information can be shared in a variety of formats and examples are as follows:
Books
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance
Ref. HF 5381.E52
 Shows trends, gives history of topic, provides definitions, theories Online Catalog 
Journals Covers current research on scholarly topics Academic Search Premier
Magazines Report on popular topics, news Masterfile Premier
Newspapers Report on popular topics, news Newspaper Source, NewsBank Newsfile
Government Publications

 Publications on all topics prepared by federal and state agencies. Marcive Web Docs
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Audio Visual Graphic representation of topic Online Catalog 
Internet Provides quick, full text information, especially on current topics.

Career Journal

 Job Star Central,

Internet Public Library

What Can I do with this Major?
Interviews Provides a personal account of a topic In person or through e-mail


                         Locating Internet resources

Internet Search Engines Available

Some (hopefully) reliable approaches to finding good Web sources:

The Internet Public Library
Librarians' Index to the Internet
JVL NSU Subject Listing of Web Resources


                         Critically assessing sources

1. Identify authors who are outstanding in their fields, determine the credentials of the author. Does the author have a degree in the field, is the author a professor?
2. Date of publication--is it recent? On Web pages, do the links work?
3. Does the publisher have a good reputation? Is it published by a professional association or university press? Is the journal refereed? On Web pages, check the domain (.edu is educational, .gov is government, .com is commercial, .net is network, .org is organizational)
4. How was the resource received by the critics?
5. Completeness of the material. Does the source have an index, bibliography?
6. Is the language slanted or biased?
7. Does it include well known facts or research studies? Is the information complete, accurate, objective?
8. What is the purpose of the resource?  Is it for the general public, children, scholars? Is the goal to market persuade, educate?

 

 Am I done yet?

Have you tried, books, magazines, journals, newspapers, government publications, Internet sources, interviews, audio visuals? If not, you aren't done!
 

                                        How do I cite sources using M.L.A. style?

The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is located on the first floor at the call number, Ready Ref. LB 2369.G53.  Also, try the MLA Web site.
 

How do I find these library resources through the Web?

Many of the resources listed above are available throug the John Vaughan Library Home Page. Through the use of EZProxy software, these resources may be used from any location.
 
Prepared by Sarah Brick Archer, January 31, 2001. Revised February 4, 2004.
          Return to Sarah's Instruction Page.