UNM-Valencia Library:
Exploring Searching and Evaluation

Activity 1--Searching & Evaluation

Scenario: The assignment is to find and evaluate sources relating creating better waste management solutions for Valencia County. The solutions may include recycling centers or bin pick-up, community clean-up programs, hazardous waste disposal drives, changes in ordinances about trash on private property, and or other steps to ensure a cleaner West Mesa area.

  1. Search for an article using Academic Search Complete.
  2. Evaluate your article using the TRAP Expanded.
  3. Divide into pairs.
  4. Using the source you and your partner  found and plus one from the table determine the "best" source using the TRAP Expanded. 
  5. Each person will have found 1 source and evaluated 2 sources.
  6. Report to class using information from Worksheet to justify your choice. .

Resources

The Research Process

  1. Choose your topic.
  2. Create your search strategy.
  3. Search for resources.
  4. Evaluate.
  5. Search again and evaluate.
  6. Use the information for your paper.

Searching tips

  • Identify place and put it in quotes if necessary ("New Mexico").
  • Use truncation * (teen*).
  • Use multiple search terms with on in each search box.
  • Do not use small works in phrases like "in" "to".
  • Use limiters (Full Text / Subjects).
  • Video Review

Activity 2--Searching

  1. Choose a database from list on the right.
  2. Search for a source on your topic.
  3. Compares the new source to the source your brought to class  using the TRAP Expanded.
  4. Be prepared to report to class which source is better.

Activity 3

  1. Each individual chooses a database and searches for an article on their own topic.
  2. Show your search strategy and article to the librarian.
  3. Revise as necessary.

Databases