Day One: Introduction Day One: Introduction to the Libraryto the Library

Virtual TourVirtual Tour

Exploring the Library Exploring the Library CatalogCatalog

Hands-On Library SkillsHands-On Library Skills

Homework + TreatsHomework + Treats

Day Two: Introduction to Online Research

Advanced Web Search Skills

Web Evaluation

Welcome to the Library!

Web SearchingWeb Searching

Homework: Homework: What was one thing you What was one thing you

learned?learned?

……about the website?about the website?

……about searching?about searching?

...about getting a dog?...about getting a dog?

Web SearchingWeb Searching

Review:Review:• Exact Phrase Searching: use “ “Exact Phrase Searching: use “ “• Exclude words: use –Exclude words: use –• Related SearchRelated Search• Site Search: use Advanced Search Site Search: use Advanced Search

or :domainor :domain• TimelineTimeline

• You can use Advanced Search for many You can use Advanced Search for many of these.of these.

Using Library DatabasesUsing Library Databases

• World History in Context Searching?World History in Context Searching?• Pros and Cons of Databases, GooglePros and Cons of Databases, GoogleDatabase ProsDatabase Pros Database ConsDatabase Cons Google ProsGoogle Pros Google ConsGoogle Cons

What is the “Deep Web”?What is the “Deep Web”?

What is the “Deep Web”?What is the “Deep Web”?

What are the characteristics of What are the characteristics of

a “good” website?a “good” website?

Evaluating WebsitesEvaluating Websites

• Once you click on a site, how do you know Once you click on a site, how do you know it will be a good source for your research?it will be a good source for your research?

• Remember: anyone can publish on the web, but that doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about. One of the most important skills in research is to evaluate your sources.

• Thanks to Mr. Grande for materials on website evaluation!Thanks to Mr. Grande for materials on website evaluation!

Generally avoid websites when: •There is no information about the author—or you find an author, but her/his professional background does not qualify the writer as an authority on the subject.

•Example: You identify an author on a website about the Maya. Now, “Google” that author’s name: Is she a historian? A professor? A religious leader? A tourist who loves the Maya? Is this person qualified as an expert?

Generally avoid websites when: •The language sounds like it is trying to prove a point that is not related to your research.

•Example: The webpage supports a contemporary religious or political viewpoint even though it's supposed to be about something in the past.

Generally avoid websites when: •The web address (URL) is suspicious or unrelated to your topic. Before you even click a website listed in your search engine (such as Google), look at the URL. •The primarily purpose is to sell things, not educate, such as most .com addresses.

Websites you can generally trust: •.gov, .edu, and familiar or reputable sites, such as PBS, BBC, news organizations, etc.

Your Turn: You evaluate a website!

Test Your Skills with The Game!

• The object of the game is to find the answer to the following questions using Google advanced search skills. The team that finds the answers with the least number of “hits” will win the game.

• Please record your answer, the search terms that you used to get your results and the number of hits as noted by Google.

Question 1: How was Edgar Allan Poe related to Virginia Clem?• Answer: ________________________________• Search strategy: ________________________________• Number of hits: _______________

Question 2: Which of William Shakespeare’s plays has been said to refer to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605?

• Answer: ____________________________________• Search strategy:

_____________________________________• Number of hits: _______________

Question 3: Who is the Prince of Pop, and what is the blotted line that he made famous?

• Answer: ___________________________________________

• Search strategy: ___________________________________________

• Number of hits: _______________

Question 4: What connection does the ferris wheel have to Pittsburgh?

• Answer: ___________________________________________

• Search strategy: ___________________________________________

• Number of hits: _______________

• Question 5 What sport was Mamie Peanut Johnson playing when she got her nickname?

• Answer: ____________________________________________

• Search strategy: _____________________________________________

• Number of hits: _______________