30 Finding Sources: Your College Library – The Cornerstone of Academic Research

You can’t build a strong academic argument without credible sources, and finding those sources is a skill that takes practice. While a quick Google search might seem convenient, academic writing demands a more rigorous approach. This chapter will guide you through the process of finding reliable sources, primarily through your college library, the cornerstone of academic research.

Beyond Google: The Power of the Academic Library

Let’s be honest: Google is fantastic for quick facts and general information. But when it comes to scholarly research, it falls short. Academic arguments require academic sources, and these are predominantly found within your college library’s resources.

As a student, you’re paying for these resources as part of your tuition. Sometimes we forget, but a significant portion of your student fees goes towards acquiring and maintaining these valuable academic tools. We live in a culture where we often expect information to be free, but the most credible, scholarly, and academic information often comes from sources that require a subscription or purchase.

“In this class, the library is important. Hide from it. Don’t try to get out of using the library. Got to use the library. That’s why you didn’t have to buy a textbook. Keep that in mind, but you have to use the library. You have to use at least three sources from the library in every paper that you write for this class.”

You might be thinking, “What about Google Scholar?” While it can be a useful tool, many of the articles on Google Scholar are behind paywalls. The good news is that your college library has likely already purchased access to these resources. So, why pay extra when you’ve already invested in your library’s collection? It’s about getting your money’s worth!

The Library Search: A Different Approach

Searching the library’s databases is different from a typical internet search. You can’t just type in a full question or a long string of keywords. Instead, you need to think strategically about your search terms.

Here’s how to make the most of your library’s search tools:

• Keyword Selection: Identify the core concepts of your research topic and translate them into specific keywords.
• Advanced Search: Utilize the advanced search option, which allows you to combine multiple keywords and refine your search.
• Boolean Operators: Master the use of Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to specify relationships between your keywords and control your search results.
  • AND: Narrows your results by requiring both keywords to be present (e.g., “AI AND ethics”).
  • OR: Broadens your results by including sources that contain either keyword (e.g., “AI OR robotics”).
  • NOT: Excludes sources that contain a specific keyword (e.g., “AI NOT healthcare”).
• Limiters and Filters: Take advantage of the limiters and filters on the results page. These allow you to narrow down your search by publication date, source type (e.g., peer-reviewed articles), subject, and more.
  • Peer-Reviewed Articles: Many academic assignments require peer-reviewed articles. These articles have undergone a rigorous review process by experts in the field, ensuring a higher level of credibility.
  • Date Range: Limiting your search to a specific date range ensures that you are working with current and relevant information.

Google Scholar vs. Library Databases: A Comparison

While Google Scholar can be a starting point, remember that your college library is your primary resource for academic research.

• Google Scholar: May provide access to quality academic resources, but often requires payment.
• Library Databases: Offer access to a vast collection of scholarly resources, often including the same articles found on Google Scholar, without additional cost.

Vetting Websites: Ensuring Credibility

While your college library should be your primary resource for academic research, you may occasionally be allowed to use websites as sources. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all websites are created equal. You must carefully vet any website you plan to use to ensure its credibility.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a website:

• Author/Organization: Who is responsible for the website? Is it a reputable organization, a recognized expert, or an individual with relevant credentials? Look for an “About Us” or “Contact” page.
• Purpose: What is the website’s purpose? Is it to inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? Be wary of websites that have a clear bias or agenda.
• Accuracy: Does the information on the website seem accurate and well-supported? Look for citations, references, and evidence. Cross-reference the information with other reliable sources.
• Objectivity: Is the website objective and unbiased? Or does it present a one-sided view of the issue? Look for balanced coverage and multiple perspectives.
• Currency: Is the information on the website up-to-date? Check for publication dates or last updated dates.
• Domain: Pay attention to the website’s domain name.
  • .edu: Educational institutions (generally reliable).
  • .gov: Government websites (generally reliable).
  • .org: Non-profit organizations (reliability varies).
  • .com: Commercial websites (reliability varies greatly).
  • .net: Network infrastructure (reliability varies greatly).

Tips for Evaluating Websites:

• Check the “About Us” page: Look for information about the author or organization and their credentials.
• Look for citations and references: Credible websites will often cite their sources.
• Be wary of bias: Look for balanced coverage and multiple perspectives.
• Check the publication date: Make sure the information is current.
• Use fact-checking websites: If you’re unsure about the accuracy of information, use a fact-checking website like Snopes or FactCheck.org.

Remember: When in doubt, stick to your college library’s resources. They have already been vetted for credibility and reliability.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help!

“Something to remember about the library is that the librarians are part of the library resources, not that you’re going to cite the librarian, but they are amazing at helping you to find the sources that you need. They can help you brainstorm to find the right keywords and make sure that you’re searching right. And using some things to limit your search to get really what you’re looking for and do a good job.”

If you find yourself struggling with the library search, don’t hesitate to reach out to a librarian. They are invaluable resources and are there to assist you. Librarians are experts in information retrieval and can help you develop effective search strategies. In this course, you will have the opportunity to work with a distance librarian who is embedded in the class, so they know the assignments and your instructor.

“Once you’ve used the library then it becomes comfortable same as Google. Are comfortable with Google because we’ve used Google so much. The way you use the library, the more comfortable you’ll be with it, which is why I want you to use it for all your papers in this class. So that later. Comfortable with it, you’ve already done that. Know how it? And in your other classes, when you need a source and you need to find something in the library. It doesn’t feel terrifying because it’s not stepping out into the unknown.”

Key Takeaways:

• Your college library is the primary source for academic research.
• Master keyword selection, Boolean operators, and limiters to refine your searches.
• Utilize peer-reviewed articles and current information.
• Don’t be afraid to ask a librarian for help.
• The library has many digital resources, so you don’t have to go to campus.

Reading Questions:

1. Remembering: What are three Boolean operators mentioned in the chapter, and how does each affect search results?
2. Understanding: Explain in your own words why the chapter emphasizes using college library databases over Google for academic research.
3. Application: How would you use the “limiters and filters” feature in a library database to find peer-reviewed articles published within the last five years?
4. Analysis: Why does the chapter stress the importance of vetting websites carefully, even when they seem to be from reputable organizations?
5. Synthesis: Combine the concepts of “keyword selection” and “Boolean operators” to describe a search strategy you would use to find sources on the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in education.
6. Evaluation: Based on the information in the chapter, what conclusions can you draw about the importance of using credible sources and the role of the college library in academic research?