Introduction Today I’m going to start by showing you a short presentation about the process of searching for resources on a topic followed by demonstrating searches in various databases like MLA.
Link to these guides to make sure students know how to access them. Search strategy guide : Detailed guide on step by step process of searching Searching tips-summary of useful search techniques
I don’t think I’ve emphasized this last point enough before and this is an area where it’s easy to get confused. PsycINFO and MLA will include different types of documents such as books, book chapters and Dissertation abstracts. Not just a database of journal articles. Imp to recognise the different document types. It might be that a book chapter is referenced and the library holds the book! This won’t be indicated on the database by the York St John symbol which only works for journals and even then isn’t foolproof. We can’t get hold of Dissertation abstracts which are for American theses not available in the UK.
You need to allow time to search. I’ve had a lot of comments from students when they’ve been searching for their dissertations that it’s taking them ages to find things. You might be lucky but it can be frustrating! The searching process is a skill in itself.