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Internet
Workshops
Spring 2007 |
Wednesdays
~ 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. ~
Library Gallery,
3rd
floor
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Ever tried typing
“Sociology” or “American Literature” into
Google? Millions of junk Web pages? If you’ve
ever been frustrated by too much information (or
too little), this hands-on workshop is for you!
You’ll learn to identify your need for
information (WHEN should you use a search
engine?) All search engines are not created
equal. You will explore the features, advantages
and disadvantages of Google, AltaVista and other
popular search engines. Then, you’ll learn how to
tailor your search to find just the information
you need for your assignment—and how to tell the
difference between useful information and noise.
Even if you’re an experienced Web surfer, you
might just learn a few tricks you hadn’t thought
of. |
Database du Jour
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So you’re a
Google power user and a mega-blogger. But did
you know that most of the best articles for
college research are not on the Web? In this
workshop, you’ll learn about the difference
between scholarly and popular information.
You’ll find journal articles using the powerful
ProQuest database as well as other Rio Hondo
College Library databases. Topics covered include
narrowing your search; finding full text
articles without digging through stacks of
printed material; and even how to do most of
your research from home! Advanced use of Subject
terms will also be demonstrated. |
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We all know
there’s tons of information available on the
Web. But all Web pages are not created equal.
Almost anyone can make a professional-looking
page these days, and smart people sometimes fall
victim to bad information. This fun and
informative workshop will teach you how to
critically evaluate information you find
online—not only for your college research, but
also to help you identify hoaxes and
urban legends (you mean Elvis isn't alive
and living on a UFO?). After taking this
workshop, you’ll be able to judge Web material
based on authority, accuracy, objectivity,
currency, and coverage. And you’ll have a little
fun looking at Web pages not to trust…for
a few downloads more! |
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Many students
are confused the first time they try to navigate
their instructor’s chosen citation format. This
workshop will teach you when to cite and how to
cite: the basic survival skills. How do you use
a long quotation? What do you do when there’s no
author or date? And what if your English and
psych classes want different formats? You’ll
learn how to cite both printed and electronic
materials, including websites. We will cover the
two most common formats: MLA and APA. Don’t let
the “Plagiarism Police” cite you!
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Using
the Library Catalog
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The library
catalog is a powerful tool for finding resources
to support your assignments. In this workshop, you’ll go beyond the
basics, searching for subject, title and author.
You’ll learn how to search for a specific
format—what if you want only DVDs? How
will you find items like plays, music
scores, or other specific items? You'll
learn the difference between a keyword
search and a subject search. Then, we’ll cover Power Search—the
fastest way there is to get what you need and
get on with your work.
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Problem-Based Research
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The aim of
this workshop is to throw you into the
research process with only a few clues from the
"scenario" you will be given. Along with the
other students in the workshop, you will
work as a team to brainstorm what you know,
what you do not know, and what you need to
find out in order to BEGIN to solve the problem.
All the tools you will need will be at your
disposal -- the library catalog, online
databases, and the Internet. This "quick and
dirty" approach to research closely mirrors
real life and is quite fun, as well!
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