The Introduction

The information contained in this section can be tested by the teacher-librarian or the classroom teacher and provides the basic information students need to use the library and its resources.

Hours of Operation When is the library open?

Online Databases You will need to get the username and password from the staff or your teacher to use these databases for research. Please review the search tips and users' guides that are outlined under each of the named databases so that you can best use them to your advantage.

Rules of the Library A list of what you can and cannot do in the library!

Printing and Copying How much does it cost?

Visiting the Library What you need to come to the library. How long you can check out library materials, fines, and holds are all covered.

How to Use OPAC Or how to use the library catalog for research projects.

About our Staff Learn about the library staff.

Library Orientation Research Paper

Information You Need to Know before You Start!:

In order for you to maximize your research effort and stay organized there are two Information literacy models that you should follow when doing research. The first model is called the Big 6 Information Literacy Model© and you should become well acquainted with its steps as you will be using them to do research all of your life, whether it is to decide what car to buy or writing a paper.

Let's look at the 6 steps.

1. Task Definition A good way to get started! If you need to learn what questions to ask click here.

2. Information Seeking Strategies Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm) and evaluate them.

3. Location & Access Locate resources and find your information in them. You need to make a list of keywords for this step, here is an excellent graphic organizer you can download and use.

4. Use of Information Engage the source (read it, listen to it, view it, touch it!) and take out the relevant information.

5. Synthesis Organize and present your information.

6. Evaluation Judge your product (how effective were you)!

When you get to step #2 and #3 of the Big 6, you need to use the second Information Literacy Model we have. This is the COWS Information Literacy Model.

Cows Information Literacy Model

When doing research remember the word "COWS" as it will help you in being successful and organized in your search. Look for your resources in this order.

C = Current Reference/Print Material
When doing research, always start with current reference books, textbooks and non-fiction library books. Learn some basic information about your subject and start a list of "keywords" you can use to gain more information on your topic. Begin this process with OPAC, our automated library catalog.

O = Online Resources
Use these resources every day! Our online resources are the Gale Group and World Geography Online. These are password protected databases that you can access 24/7 from school or home. Get the URLs, usernames and passwords from the staff. They work like a search engine but contain information that is not available for free on the World wide Web. College students use similar databases for their research projects.

W = Webliographies (Pre-selected web sites)
A webliography is similar to a bibliography only it's on the web. These are web sites that have been selected by your teacher or Ms. Smith to assist you with your project. Please go to your class web site to find the web site for your project.

and if all else fails --

S = Search Engines
Once you have learned about your subject by visiting all of the books, online programs, and web sites recommended by Ms.Smith and your teacher and you still need more information it is time to search the web. BEWARE! Search engines are not all created equal and you need to learn what types of information each will provide and how that information is presented. Take a few minutes and check out the following links. You will also need to know about the "invisible web" and how to access its information.

Introduction to Search Tools

To learn more about Search Tools, follow the links by clicking on Introduction to Search Tools.

and

Major Search Engines

What can search engines do for you and how can they help you with your research. Read up on each of the major search engines and how they find information for you. Click on Major Search Engines.

and

How to Find a Specialized Search Engine for Your Topic

To learn more about Specialized Search Engines, follow the links by clicking on Specialized Search Engines for your topic.

REMINDER!
Before you use any web site you will need to evaluate it's quality if it is to be included as a source in a research paper. There are several tools that you can use to evaluate these sites:

Evaluating Web Pages: Techniques to Apply & Questions to Ask

Research Project

The Requirement:
Now that you have looked at the steps you need to follow to do great research, let's look at the research project you will be completing for your teacher.

Goal:
By the end of this project, the student will demonstrate 9 th grade information literacy skills that exhibit an understanding of how to use and evaluate library resources by successfully completing a research paper based on comparative literature authors.

The Assignment:

This is a 100-point assignment. Each student will select one person from the list. No duplications. The paper is due: ______ For full credit, your paper must include the following information about your author/poet:

1.Frontispiece: (This is a picture of your author/poet that appears as the first page of your report. It would be a good idea to include the author’s name and his/her date of birth and death on the frontispiece as well.)

2. Obituary: (Obviously this is only if your author is dead. Do not be “funny” and make one up for a living author. You will lose points.) The teacher-librarian will show you what resources to use to find the obituaries. You may have to go to the public library for this information if you cannot find it in the school library.

3. Paper: Your paper (4 to 6 pages of typed test, not including the frontispiece, obituary and bibliography) should address or answer the following questions about your author or poet:

4. Bibliography: This should have at least TEN different sources from various forms of reference materials (i.e., books, online resources, Internet)

5. Quotations: Must contain five quotations from you bibliographical sources. The quotations should back-up the information you are providing about your author/poet. These are integrated into the body of your paper. Do not put them on a separate sheet.

6. Paper format must be in MLA style for the quotations, bibliography, et cetera. (See “Library Orientation” page for examples.)

Author List:

The Grading Rubric: