Introduction

Developing research skills and learning how to find your way around a library are important parts to being successful in college and beyond. This module will help you to improve your research skills and develop new ones. It will include searching the online catalog, using EBSCOhost to obtain periodical articles, using the Internet to find information and evaluating information from different sources. Learning the basics about how to locate and evaluate information are skills that you can use here at New England Tech’s Library, at other libraries – and even at home.

The Library at New Institute of Technology contains a wide variety of print, media and electronic resources chosen specifically to support the courses that you will take during your college career. Some of the resources offered can also be accessed from your home if you own a computer with a modem and an Internet service provider.

Research Skills (.pdf version)

Using the Online Catalog (.pdf version)

Library of Congress Classification System (.pdf version)

Finding Information in Periodicals (.pdf version)

Accessing and Evaluating Information in Online Periodical Databases -- EBSCOhost (Library Web page)
A guide to making the most out of your searches in EBSCOhost.

•Using EBSCOhost Databases (interactive tutorials from EBSCOhost)

•Basic Searching for Academic Libraries [runtime 3.25 minutes]

•Advanced Search with Single Find Field; Creating Search and Journal Alerts
[runtime 3 minutes]

•Advanced Search with Guided Style [runtime 4 minutes]

Summary

•Developing good research skills now can help you to find materials quickly and efficiently later.

•Select appropriate resources from the World Wide Web, periodicals and books based on the depth and the currency of the information that you need.

•Find books that best answer your research questions by using all of the information presented in the online catalog.

•Use periodical indexes and summaries to find appropriate articles quickly.

•Evaluate each source of information for its value to the type of research that you are doing. Use the depth of data presented, its currency and the credentials of the author to judge the value of the information in resource materials.

Additional Resources

Websites:
Please note that website addresses often change. If you are unable to reach the addresses below, use a search engine and search the source of the site or the title of the Web document to find the new site.

EBSCOhost

Virtual Libraries/Reference
Internet Public Library
Emory University’s Virtual Library Project
refdesk.com
Best Information on the Net

•Research Guides and Tutorials (Library Web page that includes a variety of web, interactive, and video tutorials on how to use the online catalog, online resources, and specific databases.)

On-Campus Resources:

Library, Corner of Post Road and Baywood Street, (401) 739-5000, Ext. 3409.

•Activities

•Use the online catalog, EBSCOhost (online periodicals), or the Internet to find information that can help you answer your five career exploration questions.

Go back to the Supplemental Materials for EN101 Home Page.

Key to Symbols
	Introduction			Readings			Go To ...
	PowerPoint			Form			Chart
	Additional Resources			Summary			Activities
	Interactive Tutorial