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Here are some basic steps:
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Learn how to browse
for resources:
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find out where the card
catalog is, |
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find out how to use the card
catalog, |
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and find out where the different
sections of your library are |
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Find out how to
search for journals and newspapers at your library
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Do a little
Bibliography searching.
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If you find a book with excellent
information, look in that book's bibliography and try and find
those resources for your own reference. |
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Ask your media
specialist for advice on where you might be able to look.
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Use more than one
word for your catalog search.
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ie: If the topic is saving the
environment, you can try words like: environment, pollution,
conservation, natural resources. |
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For more information on how to use a
library effectively try Learning
to research in the library.
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Things to keep in mind:
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There are a variety
of search engines available:
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If you can't find what you are
looking for with one, try another. |
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Not all websites are
valid:
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Just because it is published on
the web does not make it true. |
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ANYONE can post a website. |
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Stay focused:
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Do you want fact? opinion?
historical data? current events? |
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Make sure the website has what
you need. |
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Reliable websites
usually have:
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Author's name & title |
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Organization or Company |
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Date of creation or copyright |
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Contact information |
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Quality information
is:
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Credible, Accurate, and
Reasonable |
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It can be supported |
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If you want some more information on
using the internet for searching out quality information try the Internet
Instructor and then the Internet Instructor Subject
Specific Site. |
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You conduct an interview to find out
information from someone.
Interviews can
usually be conducted by: phone, electronically, or in person. The
most effective method is in person and this is the one preferred for
senior project.
A good interviewer
displays these qualities: decorum,
politeness, attentiveness, responsiveness, friendliness.
Be prepared before
you go to the interview. Have your questions ready, and learn as
much as you can about the topic before you go to the interview.
Interview checklist:
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Phrase your questions
carefully, make sure they are clear and precise. |
| Word your
questions, so that they call for more than a yes or no answer. |
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Ask your questions in a logical
order, bouncing around makes it difficult to stay focused. |
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Invite the person you are
interviewing to expand on their answers. "Could you tell me
more about that?" "I don't quite understand what you mean,
can you give me a little more detail?" |
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You may need to use telephone contacts
to set up interviews, conduct interviews, schedule appointments, locate
resources, etc.
Before you dial that
number:
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Decide why you are
calling and have your calendar, date book, or notepad on hand. |
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Smile, the person on the other end
can't see you, but they will hear it in your voice if you are in a
bad mood. |
While you are on the
phone:
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Let the other person know that you
appreciate their taking valuable time from their schedule to speak
with you. |
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Don't make demands, they are the ones
doing you the favor. |
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Speak clearly and enunciate
carefully. |
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If you are asked to call back again
at a particular time, make sure that you don't forget. |
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Take notes, you don't want to be
forced to call
back because you forgot to write the information down the first
time. |
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Always say thank you! |
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