UNM-Valencia Library:
Exploring Searching and Evaluation

Activity 1

Scenario: The assignment is to find sources relating to a proposal on created 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. Divide into groups.
  2. Determine the "best" source in envelope provided.
  3. Report to class using form provided.

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.

Activity 2

Scenario 2: The assignment is to find sources relating to a proposal on developing options to control overpopulation of domestic animals (pets) in Valencia County. The solutions may include more funding for animal control facilities, pet adoption programs, spay and neuter funding, catch/spay and neuter/release of feral animals, euthanasia of animals in shelter or the funding of no-kill shelters, and or legal restriction on breeding or the number of dogs or cats in a household.

  1. Each individual in the group chooses a database and searches for an article.
  2. Group compares articles found using the TRAP worksheet.
  3. Group chooses "best" source.
  4. Group reports to class using form provided.

Databases

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.

Scenario 3: The topic is a proposal decreasing the cost to attend college and proposed solutions include legislation that would provide more money for New Mexico Lottery scholarships, increasing the Pell grant funding, providing opportunities after college to receive loan “credit” for work, free community college, special funding for veterans, development of private funding through employer scholarships,

Searching tips

  • Identify place and put it in quotes if necessary ("New Mexico").
  • Use truncation * (teen*).
  • Use multiple search boxes.
  • Do not use small works in phrases like "in" "to".
  • Use your solution -- not the words solutions or effects.
  • Identify your population.
  • Use limiters (Full Text / Subjects).