FYS Fall 2002 Poverty in a global context

Remember to note the full citation for each resource you plan to use for your assignments -- title, author or organization, URL if a web site, date of publication, etc. If you have a writing manual for this course, follow the recommended format for providing citations.

Using ELIZA, Wallace Library's Online Catalog

ELIZA is the Wallace Library's online catalog.Access ELIZA from the Library Home Page (select the Web version). Use ELIZA to locate materials owned or accessible from the library, including books, reference materials, government publications, journals, newspapers, videocassettes, music, links to online resources and indexes, etc. The most frequently used search options are author, title, keyword and subject. Within ELIZA, you will find basic instructions and examples for each type of search you select. Pay close attention to instructions for using special search expressions such as AND and OR.

Key Word and Subject Search

Try the keyword and subject search options in ELIZA to find useful library material for your study. A keyword search is generally the best place to start, if you are not sure of the specific item you are trying to find. If you find an item of interest, look at the detailed record to find the subject headings assigned to the item. Click on the subject heading that most specifically describes the information you need.

Try the following:

Perform a keyword search using the phrase POVERTY AND UNITED STATES. You will get over 200 hits.

Click the "Extended Display" button to view item locations and publication dates.

Use the "Limit this Search" button to find an item published after 1999.

Look at the detailed record for the item you select. Note the call number. You will need this to find the material in the library.

Try the subject links provided within the record. These will allow you to perform a concise hypertext search for similar items.

Practice other searches to find material for your assignment. Then use the location and call number to find the material in the library.

Using ELIZA to Locate Journals and Periodicals

Use the following instructions for locating journals and periodicals through ELIZA:
http://library.wheatoncollege.edu/screens/srchhint_03.html

To find all periodicals available (in paper, microfilm or electronic format) from Wheaton, covering the topic of Economics, try entering the following SUBJECT SEARCH in Eliza:

economics periodicals

In the full list of economics periodicals, locate the record for The Economist. Look at the detailed record and try the electronic link provided.

Using Indexes to Find Journal and Newspaper Articles

While ELIZA can be used to find a periodical title, you will need to use an electronic index to locate specific articles within journals and newspapers. Some indexes will also provide the full-text of articles you locate. Wheaton subscribes to these indexes and databases, and they are accessible to you as a Wheaton student. The interface and search features will vary in each database, so take time to read the instructions for performing a search. Materials in these databases are generally not accessible if you are searching the web using a search engine. It is important to learn how to use these research databases and indexes for this course and for other courses you will take at Wheaton.

InfoTrac

InfoTrac is one of several online indexes available at Wheaton. It is a good general source for locating material in all disciplines, including economics. Use it to search for articles and abstracts from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals, related to your country study. Full-text is available for some material. If full-text is not available, use ELIZA to search for the journal title. The library may have the item in the journal collections or on microform. If the article cannot be accessed online or in the collections, Interlibrary Loan may be able to obtain it. Once you are comfortable using InfoTrac, you can venture into other indexes to find material.

From the library homepage, select Electronic Resources.

From the Reference Databases menu, select InfoTrac.

From the available InfoTrac databases, find Expanded Academic ASAP and click the link to "start searching."

Try a search combining the terms POVERTY AND INDIA in the search window.

Try different combinations of terms to find information for your country study.

Try using the search screen options to limit your search to full-text articles or articles published in the last two years.

Evaluating Information You Find on the Web

While the Web will provide you with much valuable information, you should carefully assess each Web source you use for accuracy, reliability, authority, and currency. As you know, anybody can publish a web page. Pages may be inaccurate, misleading, strongly biased, or simply trying to sell you a product. The following tutorial from the University of Vermont provides an excellent overview of site evaluation criteria, along with links to further information.

Evaluating Web Information -- University of Vermont

http://www.lib.vt.edu/research/libinst/idle/evaluating.html

Using Web Search Engines

Not all search engines are the same. Do you know what is "under the hood" of your favorite search engine? Try the following site to compare search engines and their features, and learn some advanced web searching tips, including use of BOOLEAN search phrases:
http://searchenginewatch.com/facts/

PowerPoint Tutorial

You will be using PowerPoint presentation software to support and enhance your classroom presentations. PowerPoint is one of the applications in the Microsoft Office suite. It is available on most public computers at Wheaton. The College owns a site license for Microsoft Office, and you can obtain a copy at no charge as a Wheaton student. Call the Computing Support Center (x3900) if you need the application for your personal computer.

For a quick overview of PowerPoint, try the following tutorial from Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/education/tutorial/classroom/o2k/ppt.asp

Many other PowerPoint tutorials can be found on the web. Try any search engine, using the terms PowerPoint tutorial

PowerPoint also has online help available from within the application.

When You Need Further Help

Remember, this is just a starting point for developing your research skills while at Wheaton! Reference Librarians are here to help you and WELCOME your questions! You can even schedule a private appointment for research assistance. Check the library web site for reference desk hours and further information.

This page is maintained by Wheaton College. Last updated on 5/15/09.
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