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Finding Resources in Your Library and Online
College of San Mateo Library
Library ResourcesPrint books, magazines and journalsE-Books
Accessible from on or off campus Available 24/7
Databases and articlesAccessible from on or off campus Available 24/7
College ReservesGovernment Documents
Search Tips:Keyword searchingPhrase searching
Use quotes to return exact phrase
TruncationAd* returns ad, ads and advertising
Boolean LogicAND ORNOT
Search examples:Green vehiclesGlobal energy consumptionSustainable AND farmingGMO OR genetically modified foodsFactory farms NOT (United States OR US)bottled water and environment* impact
Academic vs. Popular JournalsAcademic
Author an expert in his field or topicAffiliated with educational or research
institutionPeer-reviewedContent usually based on research findingsWritten for an expert audienceArticles long in lengthIncludes a bibliography
Academic vs. Popular JournalsPopular
Written by journalist or studentNot peer-reviewed; quick publication processGeneral InterestWritten for a commercial audienceArticles shorter in lengthBibliography not likely
Content on the WebGoogle is great, but the library’s resources can be better. Before looking online, check the library’s databases, eBooks collection, and print materials (i.e. books and journals)
Why?Anyone can publish onlineIt’s a fast, free medium that lacks the
formal peer-review process of journal articles or books
How to evaluate information the web:SourceAuthorityContentObjectivityAccuracyCurrency
How to evaluate information on the web:Source
Domain type (i.e. .edu, .gov, .org, .fr)Affiliations Personal web site (~ or %)What is the purpose of the site and are they trying
to sell you something?
http://www.collegeofsanmateo.edu/http://www.collegeofsanmateo.edu/library/http://www.collegeofsanmateo.edu/Departments/
~jdoe
How to evaluate information the web:Authority
Organization or personal page?Author clearly stated on page?Credentials? Specialist in field?About us?Contact information?Is it clear what the organization is?
o If not, try http://whois.domaintools.com/
How to evaluate information the web:Content
Is the coverage complete?Is the website complete?Are there dead links or sections still under
construction?Links to the site or page?
Alexa.comCan it be cross checked with other sources?
Who is linking to this site?
How to evaluate information the web:Objectivity
Editorial or factual?Free from bias?Examination of all sides of issue?Does the site contain ads?
How to evaluate information the web:Accuracy
Grammatical or spelling errors?Clear indication of data source?Are there footnotes or links to back up their
statements?
How to evaluate information the web:Currency
Is there a date when the site was last updated?Is the site still active?
Web Search Tips:Search on several search engines
GoogleAskYahoo
Web or Subject DirectoriesLibrarians’ Internet Index - http://lii.org/Internet Public Library - http://ipl.org/Infomine - http://infomine.ucr.edu/
Try the Advanced Search option:
Also, try the “US Government” search option from the advanced search page, or limit search to .edu or .gov sites
A few more very important tips:Just because a site is in the top 10 search
results, it doesn’t mean that the information is valid, nor is it always going to be the best
Look past the first 10 resultsLook out for sponsored sites at the top of
search results
Annotated Bibliography Example
Global warming and environmental justice: The burden on vulnerable populations. (2008, July). Sierra Club. Retrieved March 6, 2009, from http://www.sierraclub.org/ ej/ downloads/ GW-EJ-2008.pdf
This content is valid for several reasons. It is clear who is behind the site. The Sierra Club is a well established environmental organization. The article cited contains footnotes that clearly traces where the information was obtained. The article also seems factual and objective. The information is current and relevant to my topic.
Annotated Bibliography Example
Simplified version adapted for this exercise:
Making better energy choices. (n.d.). Worldwatch Institute. Retrieved March 9,
2009, from http://www.worldwatch.org/node/808 This is a research institute focused on global issues such
as sustainability, population growth and climate change. This institute partners with many other environmental
high profile organizations. The contact and organization information is very clear,
and includes funding information. The site appears to have current and relevant information. The information is factual and objective
Citation ResourcesCollege of San Mateo Library
resources http://www.smccd.net/accounts/csmlibrary/citing.html NoodleBib
Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/
Duke University Libraries Citation Guide http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/
Need more help finding information?Visit/Call/eMail a CSM LibrarianLibrarians available by appointment to help
with your research needs
Michele AlanizInstruction and Web Services Librarian
Csmref or csmmichelea (yahoo)
Photo Credits:http://www.flickr.com/photos/foreversouls/
1279069689/
