Social Issues ResearchMs. Doyle, District Librarian

Presentation Notes

Please get ready to take notes

Write down words and phrases in red

At the end of presentation, you will have notes A-J

Today’s Topics

A. Objectives:

1. Use WebCat to locate a book on your subject in the school library

2. Use SIRS Knowledge Source and Opposing Viewpoints/Gale PowerSearch to find information on your topic

Find a Book in the Library

B. Steps1. School Home Page

Find a Book in the Library

2. Library Home Page

Search WebCat

3. Enter keywords for the topic you are researching4. Limit by school5. Click Search Everything

Search WebCat

Use just 1-3 words, NOT your whole question. Try different words and phrases until you find the best one for your search.

Search WebCat

Search WebCat

Be sure to check the copyright date to make sure the book is not too old.

Search WebCat

6. Use cross references to find more search terms.

C. Print vs. Online Sources

Take about 2 minutes to talk with the person next to you about the following questions. Write brief answers in your notes.

1. Why might using a print book be better than using the Internet or a database for this project?

2. Why might it be better to use online sources instead of a book?

D. Keyword vs. Subject

1. In keyword searching, you use any words that come to mind. The computer finds them anywhere in the article.

Keyword vs. Subject

2. In subject searching, you use the exact words that the catalogers use. The computer finds these phrases only in the subject field.

Keyword vs. Subject

Which kind of search finds more results?

Hold up one finger if you think it is

1. Keyword search

Hold up two fingers if you think it is

2. Subject search

Keyword vs. Subject

Which kind of search finds more relevant results?

Hold up one finger if you think it is

1. Keyword search

Hold up two fingers if you think it is

2. Subject search

Think about your research topic. Brainstorm at least 6 keywords you could use in your search. Write the keywords in your notes now.

E. Keywords

Using Databases

Find Gale PowerSearch and SIRS Knowledge Source on your bookmark

Circle the web addresses

Draw a box around the login and password for each one

Next to Gale PowerSearch, write “includes Opposing Viewpoints”

F. How to Find the Databases1. Go to your school website2. Click “Library” in the menu, then choose Library Home Page

You can also find link to database passwords on Library Home Page (must log in to Edline)

Find the Databases

Scroll down to find DatabasesLook for Controversial Issues

Opposing Viewpoints

Opposing Viewpoints

Opposing Viewpoints

SIRS Researcher/Knowledge Source

SIRS : Narrow by SUBJECT

Gale PowerSearch DatabaseIncludes newspapers, magazines, reference books, and more

Notice Content Types:Magazines show up in

first search, but you can switch to journals, books, etc.

Related Subjects: These are the subject headings!

Document Types:Narrow your search (to

just articles, for example)

Gale PowerSearch

G. Advanced Searches

Using the Advanced Search option lets you decide EXACTLY what you want.

Use one of your subject

headings, the term AND , and then your other subject heading

Search with AND to get both subjects

Review

Turn to the person next to you. Figure out whose birthday happens first this year.

The person with the first birthday will explain to the other person why it’s helpful search by subject (rather than keyword) in a database

Describe at least 2 advantages to using a subject search

H. Find Project Page under Library/Class Projects

Wrapping Up

In your notes (I), write one thing you learned today

In your notes (J), write one question you still have

Share questions now or email doylem@loswego.k12.or.us