UNM-Valencia Library:
English 110 Library Session
Choosing a Topic
- Meets requirements of the assignment
- Is interesting to you.
- Right size.
Brainstorming/Creating a Search Strategy
- Identify keywords and phrases.
- Use quotation marks "" and truncation*.
- Connect concepts with "and," "or," or "not."
Resources
- W Questions
- Concept Mapper
- Mindmup
- Search Generator
- Search Strategy Builder (CCC Online Library)
- Search Generator (U of M)
Finding Sources Using Databases
- Use a different box for each concept of your search topic.
- Use limiters for to select fulltext, or peer-review.
- Revise your search based on results.
- Limit also by date, subject, or words in title.
Suggested Databases
- Proquest
- Academic Search Complete.
- Expanded Academic Index.
- Gale Reference Center Gold .
- Education Research Complete
- Applied Science and Technology Source Ultimate
- ProQuest STEM Database
- CINAHL Complete (health resources)
- Business Source Complete (business resources)
- Physical Education Index
- PsycInfo
- America: History and Life
- PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database)
- SportDiscus
- Art Full Text
- Find a Database (for other suggestions)
Evaluating Sources
- How the the source support my essay?
- What have I learned from the source?
- How could I use the source in my writing?
Resources
- Credo Evaluation Module
- Trap Expanded
- Evaluating Sources for Credibility
- "TRAP worksheet"
- Finding Author Information
- Credible Sources (video)
- Critical Evaluation of Resources (UC Merced)
- Learn about Evaluating Sources: Step-by-Step Evaluation Process (CCC Online Library)
- Evaluating Sources (PASSAIC)
- RADAR Framework (LMU Hannon Library)
Activity 1
- Divide into pairs
- Create search strategy for policy: "DNA should be used to solve crimes."
- Select a database from list and search for a relevant fulltext article--must use at least 3 search terms.
- Show it to the instructor.
- Search again for a peer reviewed fulltext article published since 2000.
- Show it to the instructor.
- Repeat until time runs out.
Activity 2
- Individually create search strategy for policy: "Social media sites should monitor and remove hate speech."
- Select a database from list and search for 3 relevant fulltext article.
- Save them to a file folder.
- E-mail best 3 sources, your search strategy, and your name to lweller1@unm.edu
- Individual with best 3 sources will be awarded a flash drive.
