Class slides

1. From Topic to Sources
Nicole Branch, Instruction Librarian
ENGL 2A
Image courtesy of Flickr user throgers.

2. Today we will…
• Revisit evaluating sources
• Identify topic areas for research
• Define searchable keywords for your topics
• Find sources for your topic using library
databases
Background image courtesy of Flickr user Paree.

3. Image courtesy of Flickr user Amanda Wood.
https://PollEv.com/nicolebranch711

4. Refining Topics

5. Refining a Topic
Add Context:
Specific aspect (legal, economic, social)
Geography
Time frame
Demographic

6. Developing Keywords
https://vimeo.com/85564795

7. Defining Keywords
• Broader terms
• Narrower Terms
• Synonym Terms

8. Finding the conversation
Image courtesy of Flickr user spyros papasyropoulos.

9. Databases & Disciplinary Sources

10. Image courtesy of Flickr user Christian Ostrosky
Identify a Database

11. Select a Database

12. • AND/OR/NOT
• Document types
• Truncation *
• Advanced search options
• Citations & permalinks
• Finding full text
Search Tips

13. • Using OmniFile, search for articles related to
your topic
• Use your brainstormed keywords to get
started
• Practice advanced search options
• Share a couple of good ones on the form
Hands-On Search

14. Nicole Branch
Instruction Librarian
nbranch@scu.edu
x5436
Questions?