Chesapeake College Learning Resource Center

English 101

The following handout is provided for the ENG 101 research project.

HANDOUTS include Database sheet, P.L.A.D.S. brochure, plagiarism brochure, and LRC hours.

When teaching the class, you will need to display the following link:

http://www.chesapeake.edu/libray/library.htm - Library Home Page

http://www.chesapeake.edu/library/ENG101/eng_101.pps - P.L.A.D.S. PPT
http://www.chesapeake.edu/library/OED/OEDpowerpoint.htm 

Evaluation Site

OUTCOMES

1.       Students will be able to locate print and electronic resources.

2.       Students will recognize the elements required of a good Web Site.

3.       Students will be able to evaluate the credibility and reliability of a Web Site

4.       Students will be able to determine what needs to be cited in order to avoid committing plagiarism.

5.       Students will be able to properly cite sources both parenthetically and on a Works Cited Page.

1. Sources
1. Online catalog
1. Lists books and videos that are owned by the Chesapeake College LRC. 
2. You may use the catalog in the LRC or by going to http://www.chesapeake.edu/library/library.htm on the Web.  ACRL STANDARD 1.1
2. Internet
1. Online periodical databases - All of the databases that are subscribed to by the LRC may be accessed from the LRC Home.   Active passwords are published throughout the LRC, and you may also pick up your copy of our Chesapeake College Learning Resource Center Online Databases from the circulation desk.  ACRL STANDARD 1.1
1. Proquest is available for free to any resident of the Eastern Shore.  It contains citations as well as full-text articles.
2. SIRS is available to any student of Chesapeake College.  It contains full-text articles from journals, magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and government publications.
3. Academic Search Elite (through Maryland Digital Library) – Many full-text magazine and newspaper articles as well as numerous citations.  Currently only available from campus.
2. Galenet – ACRL STANDARD 1.1 - databases, encyclopedias, and dictionaries in the following categories:
1. Literature
2. Biography
3. Multiculturalism
4. Science

5. History

3. Maryland Digital Library - Chesapeake College is a member of the Maryland Digital library which provides the college community with several databases.  ACRL STANDARD 1.1
1. Periodicals
2. Literature
3. Science
4. Nursing
5. Education
6. Health
7. Business
4. Web Sites – Can be found using the following methods  ACRL STANDARD 2.1-5
1. Links – The LRC Web Page lists dozens of recommended links to Web Sites in 20 different categories.
2. Search Engines – Using keywords, search for any topic on any of the various search engines (Go.com,. altavista, metacrawler, etc.).
3. Organizations  ACRL STANDARD 1.1
1. Ones found on Internet
2. Look in phone book (police, social services, health department)
3. Use Encyclopedia of Associations or Associations Unlimited Online
4. Other Sources  ACRL STANDARD 1.1
1. Videos
2. Individuals
1. Local professionals (Doctors, Lawyers, etc.)
2. Elected officials (local, state, national)
1. Use the Maryland Manual

2. Use the US Government Manual

2.  Evaluating Sources – Use P.L.A.D.S. Power Point Presentation.  Give out the P.L.A.D.S. brochure.   ACRL STANDARDS 3.1-4 
1. Publisher / Producer
1. Who published and why?
2. Well-known company or small press?
3. Well-known or independent producer?
4. Newsworthy vs. Entertainment
5. URL (gov, org, edu, com)
6. Background Info – look for “about us” page or check Encyclopedia of Associations.
2. Level / Quality
1. Academic or professional (JAMA)
2. Current news (Newsweek, Washington Post)
3. Professional articles in lay terms
4. Adult vs. juvenile
3. Author’s Reputation
1. Who wrote the source?
2. Qualifications and professional experience?
3. Note about author(s) included in work?
4. Web site bio included?
4. Date of Publication
1. Historical research – use both primary and secondary sources
2. Non-historical – sources should be no more than ten years old.
3. Medical or health-related – no more than five years old.
4. Technology – no more than two years old.
5. Source
1. Be sure that the source is not one-sided
1. Biased or judgmental?
2. Politically motivated?
3. Informational web site vs. advertisement?
2. Availability
1. I.L.L. – give at least three weeks
2. Not all Web sites are free.
3. Do you have the right software for downloading?

Evaluation Site

Questions to ask class:

1. Is there information on the author or producer of the web site? Is there contact information (e.g., email address for author or producer)? 

2. Does the web site cover the topic extensively? 
3. Is there information on the author's credentials
4. Is there an indication of when the information was created or updated? 
5. Does the information appear to be biased?  Is this an informational or commercial site? 
6. Is the information presented as fact (vs. opinion)? 
7. If the information is presented as fact, are there footnotes or references?
8. Is this web site offering an authentic service?

Plagiarism – Power Point

Have the students use the pathfinder to begin doing research on their topics.  Remind them that they must evaluate their sources and cite all information not part of their common knowledge.  ACRL STANDARD 5

If there is inaccurate information on this page, please send correction or comments to: lrcdesk@chesapeake.edu