Article Search

Sauk LRC quick tip!

Use "Citation Linker" to check online availability quickly using the article's citation information.
Find out how below.

Research Tip: Effective Internet Searching

Searching for credible information on the Internet can be a difficult and frustrating task. The sheer volume of information on the Internet guarantees that you will find much more useless information than useful information, unless you learn to use the tools of Internet searching. Following are a few helpful tips to help you make the most of your online searches.

Make an effort to learn how your favorite search engine works. Search Engine Showdown offers a wealth of information about search engines and how they work, along with a chart that compares features of six popular search engines.

Learn about Boolean Logic as it applies to online searching. In essence, Boolean searching involves using the operators AND, OR, and NOT between search terms to either narrow or expand your information-seeking focus, so that your search results include information you need, and exclude information that is not helpful to you. Colorado State University Libraries have created a simple interactive tutorial to help users understand Boolean searching.

Use quotation marks around phrases. If you type the words occupational therapy in a search box, the search engine will find websites that contain both of those words anywhere. If you type the phrase “occupational therapy” in a search box, the search engine will find websites that contain those words together in that order.

Most, if not all, search engines feature an Advanced Search page that makes use of Boolean logic without requiring the user to design complicated search strings. They do this by offering multiple search boxes with the options to search for all of the words typed in the search box; at least one of the words typed in the search box; a complete phrase typed in the search box; or to exclude all of the words typed in the search box. Google’s Advanced Search link is located to the right of the basic search box, in small blue letters.

When in doubt, make use of the search engine’s help functions. Google’s Web Search Help Center can be found by clicking on more at the top of the basic search page, and then selecting even more from the drop-down menu. Web Search Features will open a page that gives hints on how to find specific types of information along with links to Basic Search and Advanced Search help and more.

Effective Internet searching is an acquired skill that requires time, patience, and practice. Make the effort to learn the tips and techniques provided by information professionals and editors of popular search engines. This will eventually pay dividends in terms of your increased efficiency and decreased frustration!

Term Paper Problems?

Having problems locating information for your term paper? Finding too much information? Don't even have a topic yet? Don't worry- the Librarians at SVC LRC are available to help! Just come in to the LRC to get assistance. We will be happy to help you with any information needs you have. Also, don't forget you can always text us - just text AskSVLRC to 66746 for instructions!

Credo Reference Part 2-

Credo Reference has a wonderful feature called the "Topic Page" which is found with many (but not all) subject searches. The "Topic Page" offers a wealth of information in various media types with linking to articles as well.
Read more about topic pages.

Research Tip: Identifying and Selecting Research Resources

When a research paper is assigned, after choosing a topic, composing a thesis statement, and identifying keywords and phrases for searching, the next step is identifying good quality resources for your research. Following is a summary and descriptions of some common research resources:

Traditional Print Materials

· Books are a useful resource when comprehensive coverage of a topic is needed. A book is normally written by an expert in a given field and subject to verification and editing prior to publication. This greatly reduces or eliminates the need for the researcher to evaluate information for authority and accuracy. Be sure to check the publication date in cases where the currency of the information is important.

· Journals (trade or academic) may be the best choice when the most up-to-date information is needed. Journals are published at regular intervals and contain articles written by authorities in a specialized field. They report new research developments and provide scholarly discussion on a topic. Both books and journal articles contain bibliographies that the researcher can scan for more sources on a topic.

· Newspapers are useful for information on current events and recent trends. Information tends to be more specific in nature, and because articles contain factual information and opinions it may be necessary to evaluate the content accordingly.

Electronic Information Sources

· Subscription research databases like EBSCOHost and JSTOR contain the digitized versions of articles that have been published previously in print form. The information in these articles is subject to the same review process used for print articles and books, so there is little or no need to evaluate information for authority and accuracy. The institution offering the database pays a subscription fee so that its users can access the information freely.

· Some governmental, educational, and scientific entities publish information portals that are accessible free of charge. The Statistical Abstract , published by the U.S. Census Bureau, contains a wealth of statistical information about the American people, government and economy. The CIA World Factbook provides comprehensive profiles of the world’s nations. The National Library of Medicine provides a portal to its branches and a searchable interface to information on all aspects of health and medicine.

The Open Internet

· Websites contain the bulk of the information on the Internet. A website may be maintained by a well-known institution such as the National Geographic Society, or by an individual with no appreciable expertise on a subject. It is therefore necessary to evaluate websites used for research purposes in terms of accuracy, authority, objectivity, scope, credibility, relevance and timeliness before using information found in them.

· Blogs, message boards, discussion lists and chat rooms also vary widely in terms of the quality of information they contain. Many prestigious and public personalities maintain an online presence where quality information may be found. Likewise, many blogs and lists are poorly researched at best and must be used very judiciously.

The LRC will be open over
Spring Break...


March 7th-10th,
Monday-Thursday 8:00-4:30
March 11th,Friday-Closed

Using Credo Reference (database)

So you want fast, fun reference that’s oh so much better than Wikipedia – try Credo Reference. It is a reference database with almost 500 digitized reference titles from 70 different publishers covering many different subjects. Credo Reference is a wonderful place to start your research. Read more about Credo Reference.