Work through the boxes in order. Read the instructions, watch the short videos, and do the activities. Try the Self-Check at the end. For help with this tutorial, submit a question under the Ask a Librarian or Tutor button in your blue navigation bar at the top of this guide.
Why is background information important?
Reference materials, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, are sources of background information.
This link opens in a new windowThis video explains library databases and the free Web vs. databases.
Keywords sum up the main idea of a topic. Thinking about the keywords for a topic before beginning your search will help you find better resources.
Here is an example:
What are the main idea words?
online, classes, face-to-face
What are some other words that are similar to the main idea words?
Web, Internet, traditional, course, in-person
What are other words related to the topic?
Blackboard, hybrid, ENC90/91
Now you have some keywords to use when you search in library databases or do Web searches.
NoodleBib Express is a free online tool that helps you build a citation step-by-step. It gives you hints about what to enter. You can copy and paste the citation into your bibliography. You will always want to double check the citations you create. Check out the APA and MLA tabs at the top of this guide for more information.
Consider these four criteria to evaluate the resources you use for your research:
C: Currency - When was the information posted?
O: Objectivity - Does the site present both sides of an issue?
A: Authority - Who sponsors the site?
R: Reliability - Does the site function, and is it well-organized?
Click on the links for example searches. Practice evaluating and citing one web document and one article from a library database. Use your SKYCTC username and password to access the articles off campus.
Click on the form link below and login to Office365 with your SKYCTC information to take the Self-Check.
