This document provides an overview of information literacy outcomes and strategies for conducting library research. It discusses defining an information need, efficiently accessing relevant information from books, articles, and online resources. It also covers evaluating information sources and next steps for critically evaluating and appropriately using information.

1. LIBRARY
INSTRUCTION
Erin L. Nagel, Spring 2013

2. Information Literacy Outcomes
Recognize an information need and
formulate research questions
 Define an information need and develop a strategy
Efficiently access information relevant to the
identified need
 Know where to look
 Implement and refine search strategy
Critically evaluate information using
applicable criteria
 Evaluate information before you use it

3. Library research
What do I want to know?
How do I find it?
How do I know if it’s right for
me?

4. Know where to look
Books
Articles
Online resources

5. Books
 comprehensive information
 historical perspective
 expert analysis
 find book titles in the CSU Catalog

6. CSU Catalog

7. NOTE: You can
use Boolean logic
in both basic and
advanced
searches.

8. What if I don’t get any results?
Give up
Switch topics
Replace keywords with
synonyms
Add or modify Boolean
operators
Search GIL Express

9. Universal Catalog (GIL
Express)

11. InterLibrary Loan

12. Articles
 contemporary or new information
 narrowly focused perspective
 may be popular, trade, or scholarly
 find articles in a database
 citation
 full-text

13. Articles

14. How to find: Articles
General, multidisciplinary databases

15. Academic Search Complete
Select Advanced Search

17. different ideas connected with
AND
Search Strategy = adoption AND rights AND “gay parents”

18. Use suggested subject
terms for brainstorming

19. similar ideas connected with
OR
Search Strategy = adoption AND (rights OR laws) AND
(“gay parents” OR homosexuals)

20. Limit results by
availability, type, or
date
Remove limiters by
clicking the orange X

21. Article Access Level

22. Detailed Record

23. What if it’s not full-text?
Give up
Switch topics
Look in a different database
Look for the title in print in the
CSU Catalog
Request the article through
InterLibrary Loan

24. Online Resources
 today’s information
 broad, variety perspective
 questionable reliability and stability
 find resources from reliable online
sources

25. How to find: Internet Resources
 Search engines not all created equal!
 Subject directories organized links to
resources
 Professional & Trade organizations
websites provide industry news,
directories, etc.
 Library Check out LibGuides: librarian
created research guides with
recommended resources

26. Know Your Domains
Extension Type
.edu Educational institution
.org Non-profit service organizations
.gov Government agency
.mil Military entities
.biz Businesses
.com Commercial organization
.net Internet service providers

27. What if I still can’t find what I’m
looking for?
Give up
Switch topics
Drop out of school
Look in a LibGuide for tips and
suggested resources
Ask a librarian for help

28. Next steps
 Critically evaluate information using
applicable criteria
 See presentation
 Appropriately use information to fulfill the
identified need
 Go to:
http://clayton.libguides.com/ENGL1102 and
http://clayton.libguides.com/Research for tips
on citing sources and avoiding plagiarism