Overview

In this module, you will learn how to do research online. You will explore different venues, like online library catalogs, informational databases and the Internet itself. You will find that the ability to conduct online research is invaluable when writing a paper, preparing a speech, compiling statistical evidence, or collecting information for your personal use.

You will learn how to:

• Start your research
• Find sources, by searching
• Online library catalogs
• Databases
• Internet subject directories
• Internet search engines
• Evaluate sources
• Cite references

Getting Started

Defining your topic, your approach, and the kinds of sources you want to search forms the basis of successful research.

Finding Sources

Different sources provide information in different ways, but the tools you use to access the information - whether from an encyclopedia, a news article or a website - are the same. These tools include searching catalogs, categories, or subjects to pinpoint information. Each resource has its own structure, but once you understand it, your research will be a snap.

Evaluating Sources

Once you find potential sources, you will learn how to evaluate your search results. Not all the information you find will be useful, or even relevant to your topic. You will learn how to be an editor, as well as a detective.

Citing References

Any sources you use must be properly cited. You will learn both APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) styles.

Information FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is information?

Information is everywhere. It is contained in songs, books, magazines and newspapers. It is broadcast on the radio and television, and relayed in conversation. Basically, information includes anything you read, see or hear.

Who produces information?

Everyone - letter writers, songwriters, journalists, historians, politicians, artists, etc.

What are the categories of information?

• Facts - that which is documented i.e. statistical, scientific etc.
• Opinion
• Fiction - a made-up story that may or may not be based on fact

Primary vs. secondary. Primary sources are original documents. Primary sources are "raw" material. They have not been summarized or processed by another author. Examples of primary sources are diaries, letters, observations, ledgers, emails, and statistics.

Secondary sources consist of primary sources that have been summarized, combined, rephrased, and/or interpreted by another author. Examples of secondary sources are reports, summaries and articles.

Popular vs. scholarly. Popular sources are those written for a general audience. The information may or may not be written by an expert. It may contain quotes or opinions of experts followed by general interpretations. Popular sources vary in credibility and importance. For example, a small local newspaper like the Santa Cruz Sentinel does not carry the same weight as the New York Times (unless both are printing the same Associated Press article). Examples of popular sources include Time, Newsweek, People, and USA Today.

Those who are considered experts in their fields write articles for professional journals. These authors are recognized for their degrees, work affiliation and/or research. Journals focus on a specific subject. Their articles undergo an extensive editorial review before they are published. Examples of scholarly journals include the Journal of American Medical Association (see below), Journal of Applied Physics and the American Sociological Review.

What is information used for?

• To record events/history
• To prove a point
• To change opinions
• To build bridges

How and why you use information is critical to your ability to survive and maneuver in the world. It affects how you perceive things around you and influences how you react.

What are some information needs?

• To exchange ideas
• To learn
• To make comparisons
• To locate a person or thing
• To argue a case
• To write a paper
• To give a speech

There are many reasons to gather information. Some are personal, like shopping for a car, while others are related to school or business. Many people gather information simply to be better informed about the world around them.

What is a library?

A library is a repository of information that has been collected and organized. Most libraries have replaced their old index card catalogs with computer databases, making it possible to access their collections through catalogs called Online Public Access Catalogs or OPAC's. Through OPAC's, you will that libraries not only have book collections, but also journals and magazines, multimedia, and online databases which they own or subscribe to. Since libraries also offer access to the Web and other Internet based resources, they can fill all your research needs.

Types of Sources

The sources you use will depend on the information you need.

Books.

Getting a book written and published is a long process. The author begins much like you are here by defining the topic and doing the research. The author eventually sends a manuscript to an agent or publisher. Then, if he or she is lucky, the book is accepted for publication. The manuscript goes through an extensive editing process, which usually requires several revisions. The entire process can take from several months to several years (as in large sets of encyclopedias). Consequently, by the time the book is finally published, some of the material is dated. However, the advantage of books over electronic sources is that the information tends to be broader in scope, and their content is preserved.

Books are excellent sources of information. Rather than going out and buying the books you need for a particular paper, check your local library. It's a lot cheaper.

Magazines and journals.

Magazines and journals usually contain up-to-date information that may be used later in a book. They are both excellent sources of information. They usually contain a collection of articles on a single subject or related subjects. For example, Science magazine focus solely science topics. Most magazines and journals are published weekly, monthly or quarterly.

Many magazines are aimed at a wide audience and often focus on current events. . For example, Time Magazine has articles on a variety of topics and people in the news.

Journals, on the other hand, are geared to a narrower audience. They tend to be more scholarly and technical in their approach. . Journals often contain articles by scientists or other experts who are publishing research findings. Consequently, journals usually contain information about the latest research in a particular field.

You may want to subscribe to magazines and journals that interest you. If you don't want to spend the money for a subscription, check your local library. Most libraries carry a wide selection of magazines and journals. Libraries have current and past issues, either in print or on computer. Many libraries have online subscriptions to journal indexes and text. Library catalogs will tell you if the library carries a particular journal. Some magazines and journals are published on the Web, which may or may not be free.

Newspapers.

Newspapers report the news. Most newspapers are published daily or weekly. Generally, newspapers don't contain much in-depth analysis. While newspapers provide the most current information, it is often incomplete or inaccurate. Many news stories are constantly changing, so it is often necessary to read a series of articles in order to get the full story.

While many newspapers publish versions on the Web, libraries are still the best places to get full access, especially to back issues. Libraries store years' of newspaper archives on microfilm/fiche for researchers. Some libraries have online subscriptions that you can access.

Web pages.

Anyone can and does publish on the Web. You can find the full range of information, from personal opinions to scholarly journals. Some Web sources are useless for research, but others are virtual gold mines, such as:

• Government publications, such as the Census, and NASA.
• E-Journals (electronic journals)

Since the Web is constantly expanding and evolving, more e-Journals are likely to appear. But you must be selective when using Web sources, since there are no controls on who and what can be published on the Web.

Summary of Sources

Citations

Most material published is not original. In fact, much is based on a previous author's ideas. Instructors and readers expect that you will use different sources and be able to cite them. Thus, it is important for you to note where your information came from. As you start your project, be sure to keep track of the following on each source:

• Author
• Title of paper, book, journal or website
• Date of publication, and place of publication for books and websites place of publication or URL.