Research Guide for WR 227 - Professor Wood
Provided by LBCC Reference and Instruction Librarians,
Bryan Miyagishima and Richenda Wilkinson
Some tips before you begin
! When you gather information for your report, think like a researcher ...
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What type of information do I need?
reporting
analysis
statistics
editorial
facts/figures
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Who would be interested in the information?
parents?
general public?
taxpayers?
hobbyists?
scholars/ researchers
of which disciplines?
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Where will I find this information?
newspapers
magazines
books / reference books
academic journals / scholarly journals
government agencies
Associations/ Non-profit organizations
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! As you consider which sources to use for your report, think of your audience and their expectations...
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Is the information source credible?
Is the publication or author a recognized credible source? What about bias? Currency?
Is the organization publishing the information credible? Who really runs the organization?
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Is the information retrievable?
Sources in print can be easily retrieved from libraries or databases!
Is it a web page? Does it have the following:
- author
- date written or last updated
- fixed URL (or does it have a long address that looks like it was created from a database?)
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Is the source appropriate for the assignment?
Depending on your topic, a scientific journal article may or may not be appropriate for your report
For the most part, informal sources of information (blogs, random web sites, short newspaper or magazine articles) will not be appropriate
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Finding Books
Library Catalogs
General Reference Sources
- CQ Researcher – provides detailed reports on a number of topics of current interest (United States focus)
- Facts on File – Newspaper articles, background information, and information on both sides of many issues (Worldwide focus)
- Opposing Viewpoints - numerous outside resources and references on current issues
Finding Magazines and Journal Articles [Off Campus? Ask your instructor or a librarian for a password.]
General Topics
Agriculture
- Agricola – Index of resources related to agriculture and animal science.
Business
Education
Health
Finding Newspaper Articles
Help with citations
About MLA Style:
Citation Makers - Tools for creating citations
Getting Help
Richenda Wilkinson, Instructional Services Librarian
email: wilkinr@linnbenton.edu
phone: 541.917.4641
LBCC Library Reference Desk: 917-4645 or libref@linnbenton.edu
