Objectives

Module 1: Starting Smart

This module covers types of information sources you can use for your topic. When you have completed this section of JFKU Searchpath you should be able to:

• describe a variety of information sources
• describe a variety of research tools
• distinguish between primary and secondary sources
• describe characteristics of information on the Web
• describe characteristics of library resources

Module 2: Choosing a Topic

This module covers topic selection and how to identify keywords to search your topic. When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• broaden or narrow a topic
• identify keywords for a topic
• use connectors and truncation in constructing an online search
• explain the difference between keyword and subject searching

Module 3: Using the library catalog

This module covers how to search the JFKU libraries catalog. When you have completed this module you should be able to:

• recognize that the catalog contains more than books
• find materials on a topic using a keyword search
• find materials by title, author, or subject heading
• identify the location of books or periodicals or media
• read a call number and use it to find items in the library
• find an item placed on Reserve
• manage your personal library account

Module 4: Using Databases

This module covers how to use databases to identify articles on a topic. After completing this module you should be able to:

• distinguish between different types of periodicals.
• distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
• distinguish between the Web and periodical databases as search tools.
• choose a periodical database appropriate to your information need.
• use databases to identify articles on your topic.
• use a database's email, save, or print function to keep a record of useful sources.
• search Journals by Title to locate the full text of periodical articles.

Module 5: Using the Web

When you have completed this section of Searchpath, you should be able to

• understand the organization of the Internet
• identify the major types of Web sites
• use search engines and metasearch engines to search the Web
• interpret and evaluate Web search engine results

Module 6: Researching Responsibly

This module covers citing sources, plagiarism, and copyright. When you have completed this module of Searchpath, you should be able to

• describe when and why to cite sources used in your work
• Identify the information needed to create a citation for key types of resources
• Define plagiarism, identify examples and ways to avoid plagiarizing
• Understand copyright, fair use, and public domain information
• Describe security and privacy issues when using the Internet
• Understand issues of censorship and free speech on the Internet
• List and apply proper “Netiquette” practices

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