Define your topic using an encyclopedia article or textbook chapter for background information. Develop a list of relevant subject headings and keywords. Use the Online Catalog to find books on your topics. Use appropriate electronic indexes to find more recent information in magazines and journals. Libraries often have ready-made lists of reference sources in various subject areas that can be used for this purpose.
Students prepare an annotated bibliography on information sources on their topics.
Students write an abstract of a journal article . Students locate a popular magazine article through a general electronic index, then find a scholarly journal article on the same topic through a specialized electronic index, and compare the two articles. Students, working in groups, prepare a guide that introduces new majors to information sources in the subject field. Students read and evaluate a case study of an information search and suggest alternatives to faulty procedures portrayed in the study. Consult with librarians and use their services Consultation in designing assignments, determining appropriate research strategies, and ensuring that needed materials are available.