http://unihub.mdx.ac.uk/your-study/library-and-it-support
PDE2440 Nov 2015
Better than Google
In this workshop we will look at..
• Range of resources
• Search strategy
• Finding information
• Evaluating
Why research?
Thinking about resources
BooksWhat are they:
A written or printed work of fiction or fact.
May be electronic.
Good for:
Background information and inspiration.
Not so good for:
Up to date information.
Web pageWhat are they:
An information resource which can be easily created by anyone on any topic.
Electronic.
Good for:
Very up to date information.
Not so good for:
Accurate and reliable information.
NewspaperWhat are they:
A regular publication containing current events, informative and diverse articles and advertising.
May be electronic.
Good for:
Daily information.
Not so good for:
Balanced and well researched information.
Academic JournalWhat are they:
A regular publication containing articles on a particular academic subject. Presents new research.
Maybe electronic.
Good for:
Latest research, critically reviewed by experts.
Not so good for:
Broad overview of a subject.
Trade Journal or MagazineWhat are they:
A regular publication containing news, jobs, products, events and advertising.
Aimed at a profession, business sector or interest.
Good for:
Focussed up-to-date information.
Not so good for:
Detailed and objective reports.
ObjectsWhat are they:
A material thing that can be seen and handled.
Good for:
Inspiration, ideas and sensory experience.
Not so good for:
Detailed information, context and facts.
Other resources• Samples Library http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/specialcolls
• Trendhunter http://www.trendhunter.com/
• WGSN Lifestyle & Interiors *
• British Standards Online *
* MyUniHub > MyStudy > MyLibrary > Databases
Find out moreMyUniHub > MyStudy > MyLibrary > MySubject > Science & Technology
http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/pdde
Thinking about keywords
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossjamesparker/89414788/
The real thing: Robotics
• Keywords
• Alternative spellings
• Detail
• Related subjects
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bbaltimore/6778028/meta/
Finding resourcesmyUniHub > My Study > My Library > Summon
Select Summon and search for information for your project
Refining your search
Saving your references in Flow
http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/pdde/Flow
Not everything is online!
http://www.slideshare.net/EISLibrarian/library-catalogue-how-to-request-a-book-general
Google vs Summon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ennuiislife/3450743002/
Google • Familiar and easy to use
• Finds too much information
• Fast results
• Access from any computer
• Access to some books and journals
• Designed to sell you things
• Search results sponsored
• Searches for info from any source
• Pay for academic information
Summon• Easy to use
• Finds lots of academic info
• Fast results
• Access from any computer
• Access to lots of books and journals
• Designed to find you information
• Search results by relevance
• Searches quality resources
• Free access to full text
Get online help using resourcesMyUniHub > MyStudy > MyLibrary > MySubject> Science & Technology
http://libguides.mdx.ac.uk/pdde
Referencing and PlagiarismMy Library > Library Subject Guides > Science & Technology >
Prod. Des. & Des. Eng. > Information Skills > Referencing and Citation
Evaluating information
Evaluating informationImagine you are writing an essay on Robots
Have a look at the 4 items that you have been given and consider the following:
• Which item is the most relevant to your essay?• Which item would be no use?• Which item has the most academic authority?• Are any of the items biased?• Which item is the most current?
• Authority• Relevance• Intent• Objectivity• Currency
Evaluating information