Understanding Research Processes and Digital Library Catalogs
This guide explores the fundamentals of digital information, library catalogs, and the research process. It discusses the significance of bytes and digital storage, tracing the journey from a single character to vast amounts of data in terabytes. The content emphasizes effective research strategies, including topic selection, search strategies, and citation practices. Readers will also learn about keywords and Boolean operators for efficient information retrieval. This resource is vital for students and researchers navigating academic libraries and enhancing their research skills.
Understanding Research Processes and Digital Library Catalogs
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Presentation Transcript
1213 English Research Process & Books/Library Catalog
Digital Information • Byte: Abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character.
A single text character A short novel A pickup truck filled with books A library floor of academic journals 50,000 trees made into paper and printed An academic research library Print collections of the U.S. Library of Congress 1 byte 1 megabyte ( MB ) 1 gigabyte (GB ) 100 gigabytes 1 terabyte ( TB ) 2 terabytes 10 terabytes How Many Bytes?
Library Web Page • Catalog • Article Databases • Periodicals • Library Services
Research Process • GET A TOPIC • DEVELOP YOUR SEARCH STRATEGY • SEARCH AND READ • WRITE YOUR PAPER, SPEECH PRESENTATION ETC. • CITE YOUR SOURCES
Flexible terminology Less accurate Use with Boolean Predetermined terminology More precise Hyperlinked Keyword vs. Subject
Use phrasing for single concept, multiple words “global warming” “Rex Grossman ” Most common: Basic phrase Proper names Slogans, advertisements Famous quotes Movie titles, song titles, etc. Hyphenated words More about Keywords
Keywords • Think Conceptually • Think Critically • Think Creatively
AND = Narrow OR = Expand NOT = Exclude Boolean
Concepts Use earth and warming Synonyms Use planet or earth and warming AND OR Boolean Operators
Truncation • Use a question mark "?" to truncate search terms.For example, vege? finds vegetable, vegetarian, vegetation, etc
Limiters • A feature of online catalogs that allows patrons to set parameters to restrict the retrieval of records. • Limits may be set before a search is executed, after results are displayed, or both, depending on the design of the system. • Limiters typically include: publication date, material type, language, full-text, peer-reviewed (journal articles), and locally held.
NEXT UP • Databases • Sources for your Assignment
Questions? • Contact me: • Frederic Murray • 744-7113 • frederic.murray@swosu.edu • http://faculty.swosu.edu/frederic.murray/
