Course research guide
Education & Employability

This guide provides titles of and links to library resources that can help you with your research assignment. Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!

NOTE: A recording of the library session is linked here! Look for: sacelibrary.2007-02-04_1341.vcr

You need the Elluminate plug-in to see and hear these recordings. You can hit the play button, fast forward, pause, etc.

I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!

What topic are you researching?

List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:

What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?

II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names

For your topic, you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:

• education, college, degree
• employability, job skills, hiring
• criticial thinking, group work, team work

So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?

• Keyword search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that contain your keywords
• Subject search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that are about that topic

TIPS:

• Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings. (employ* = employer, employees, etc.)
• Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and work those subject words into your search strategy.
  

III. Search Sources

A. REFERENCE sources - Looking for background information or facts?

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

Online databases	Screen captures - clickable!
CQ Researcher Provides in-depth reports on social issues!
Opposing Viewpoints Access a variety of sources: viewpoints, reference, articles on a wide range of controversial issues.

B. BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items - Looking for in-depth information?

QuickSearch Books & Media (Catalog)

By: Keyword Title Author Subject Call Number Search for:

• Remember the old timey Card Catalog? There were 3 ways you could search it: Author, Title, SUBJECT
• With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for Subject headings.

A few Subject headings (just copy & paste into box!) you can use to search By Subject:

• critical thinking--study and teaching
• United States No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
• educational accountability

• NetLibrary (eBooks) - Full Text search: use quotes "for phrases"; Create a Free Account to access directly at netlibrary.com!
• How to check out books & eBooks

C. ARTICLES - Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue?

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

• Academic Search Complete - articles on all topics from magazines, journals, newspapers.
  
  
  
  
• NewsBank - search the Express-News, Texas Newspapers, or World newspapers for regional info on edu issues
  
  
  
  
  
• More databases...

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.

D. FREE WEB SITES

• Education Web Guide - by Celita DeArmond, SAC Librarian

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources