DiscussionIn order to learn more about the library spaces and people that can help you, you will go on a selfie-tour in groups. But first, consider the following questions to reflect on what you already know about libraries:
Go to Poll Everywhere and fill out the anonymous survey about libraries and research.
Now, let's create our own tour! You'll do this by asking your own questions about the library that you want answered. Then you will move around the library with your group to find the answers.
Step 1: Brainstorm questions on this padlet. (Click the + in the circle to add questions). Click the heart if you want to upvote someone else's question.
Step 2: Vote on the questions that everyone wants answered and write them on your selfie sheet.
Step 3: Go through the library to find your answers! Once you do, take a selfie with all of your group members and the answer.
Step 4: Post your selfies on the Padlet for your assigned Team. Give them a "Subject" in the form of a descriptive #hashtag.
Step 5: Be prepared to discuss your pictures and your answers.
For more about library spaces, check out our Wayfinding Guide.
Understanding the Research ProcessHow do you start when you investigate a new topic? For example, if a friend of yours was recently diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and they asked you to help them understand what that is and what treatment options are available, what would you do?
After you understand the basics, where would you go next?
Remember, research is a process AND research can be messy. Check out the diagrams on this University of Illinois Introduction to Library Research guide.
For more, watch the video: The Research Process Part 1 (Pre-Research) and Part 2 (In-Depth Research, Outlining, and Writing
Brainstorming KeywordsBefore you can start looking for information, you need to decide which keywords/search terms to use. During your library research workshop, you will work with your group to break a research topic into its main ideas or concepts and then brainstorm related keywords.
After brainstorming keywords with the group, fill out the first part of the S-STEM Scholars Library Research Worksheet.
If you would like to learn more about keywords, check out this Tutorial: Choosing and Using Keywords
Finding Background SourcesBackground sources are a good place to start your research, so that you can learn the basics and the vocabulary that is used to describe your topic.
Try finding some background sources on the example topic used in your workshop. Use some of the keywords that you brainstormed as a group. You can:
OR
Write down your sources on your S-STEM Scholars Library Research Worksheet and also keep track of any additional keywords that you might find. You can put any additional keywords in row 3 of your Brainstorming Keywords chart.
For more: Tutorial: Background Research Tips
Recognizing Scholarly ArticlesBefore you can start searching for scholarly articles, you must understand what they are. Consider the following questions about them:
Searching for Scholarly ArticlesScholarly articles are typically located within specific databases. There are general databases that cover a variety of subjects that can be good for interdisciplinary topics. Or, there are subject databases that are specific to a particular discipline, like Biology or Engineering. Subject databases can be found on the library Subject Guides in the right column of this guide.
Give the general databases below a try.
For more info: Video: Choosing a Database
You have already generated numerous keywords/search terms you can use to find scholarly articles during your workshop.
Tips:
Make sure to use the tools within the database to refine your search. Options to more efficiently find relevant results usually include:
Additional Advanced Search features are also available in most Subject Databases.
Follow the directions on your S-STEM Scholars Library Research Worksheet to find a few scholarly articles and record the citation information so you can find them again.
For more info:
Reading Scholarly ArticlesReading scholarly articles is not an easy thing to do. Remember, they are written by experts FOR experts. Check out this article written from a student's perspective about reading scholarly articles. Then, check out how actual scientists read scholarly articles.
As you see, there are some strategies you can use to make reading these articles easier. The main one is to NOT read the article straight through the first time you read it. See the video below for a different reading order.
Take notes on how to read a scholarly article on your S-STEM Scholars Library Research Worksheet. Then practice reading and identifying the main points of the article selected in the workshop.
Tools for Synthesis
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