Chapter 11

Research and College Libraries

Most Colleges and Universities describe their three major missions as teaching, research, and service.

While each of these missions is vital, we know that without the ability to find and evaluate information quickly the world would come to a standstill. Information feeds research, and research produces discoveries that improve our quality of life. 

Those who decide not to play, or who play poorly, will lack the ability to keep up, to participate, and to succeed in college.

“Playing” means more than learning how to operate a computer or visiting the library.  It means learning the basic research and critical thinking skills needed to make sense of the vast amount of information at your fingertips.

IN THIS AGE OF INFORMATION, NOT EVERYTHING WE LOOK UP AND FIND IS RESEARCH

 LEARNING TO BE INFORMATION LITERATE

Here are four things to remember about information:

·        Know that information

·        Know how and where to fine it

·        Know how to find and retrieve information

·        Learn how to interpret the information you find

Once you locate data, you need determine how the information fits your need?

·        Is it introductory

·        Is it definitional

·        Is it analytical

·        Is it current or dated

·        Whom are you going to tell about your discovery, and how

RESEARCH AND PRESENTING AN ASSIGNED TOPIC

As you prepare to research and present your Paper and Oral presentation there some techniques that you should attempt to master in order to present your findings to the class and for the instructor.

Critical is selecting the correct database for your particular subject or topic.

(Print or Electronic sources)

You have a topic, an inquiry task, and a product to produce.

Topic Organization            Inquiry Task             Product

Wal Mart                            Definition                 Paper and /oral presentation

KFC                                    Introduction

Home Depot                       History

MicroSoft                           Current Trends

Cox                                     Problems, if any

Target                                 Important Aspects

Wendy’s                               to report

Board of Veterans               Conclusions

 Appeal                                                                                           

As you research your data base, understand whether you need to use scholarly publications, popular magazines or both.  Do know the difference between the two?

Scholarly Journals                                             Popular Magazines

Long articles                                                         Shorter articles

In-dept information on topic                               Broad overview of topic

Written by experts in the subject field                Written by journalist or staff

                                                                             Reporters

Graphs, tables, or photographs                            Lots of color photos of

To support text                                                     people and events

Articles “referred” or reviewed                            Articles evaluate by editor

By peers in field                                                                                           

Documented by Works Cited                               No bibliography provided,

Or Reference page                                                but sources credited

ASK A LIBRARIAN – LIBRARIANS TRIVE ON HELPING YOU

In your quest for information, you need to begin by assessing what you already know and explore for a while on your own.  However, you may decide to get some help.  Ask a librarian.  Librarians are information experts who are trained to assist and guide you to the resources you need.

ABOUT PLAGIARISM

In recent history, s serious candidate for the American presidency was forced to withdraw from the race when opponents discovered he had failed to give proper credit to a source he used in one of his speeches. 

Everyone is on guard against idea thievery.  When ideas are put on paper, film, screens, or tape, they become intellectual property.  Using those ideas without permission and/or without saying where you got them, and sometimes without paying for them, can cost you a grade, a course, a degree, maybe even a career.  Plagiarism can mess you up big time.  And it is so easy to avoid.

Just remember:

·        If you use somebody else’s exact published words, you have to give that person credit.

·        If you use somebody else’s published ideas, even if you use your words to express his or her ideas, you must give that person credit.

Using the rational, “I didn’t know” as a defense for plagiarism is not an acceptable excuse.  As a college student, it is paramount that you know what is acceptable and ethical in oral and written research presentations.

For the purpose of your written presentation in this class you will be using APA style format which gives specific instructions for footnotes, references and bibliographies.

The information Literacy skills you learn and employ as a student are the same ones that will serve you well as a successful professional.