EXTENDED ESSAYLibrary Resources

Scroll down to see databases.

Select Catalog tab to look up books.

Keyword search is most broad =most books.

Write down title, call number.

Then check the shelves..

Click on Details to find a list of subjects (key words for further searching)

VALUABLE TIPS FOR THE EXTENDED ESSAY

Keep a research journal to jot down notes, key words, topics, subtopics, ideas, reminders, possible sources, source info, etc.

Brainstorming with a teacher or another student can help generate great ideas for how to approach a topic.

Stick with either MLA format or another format. Do not use both! Easybib.com is free for MLA.

Evaluate each source. How do you know the author is reliable & knowledgable? Is the information still current?

Don’t procrastinate!

EXPLORATORY READING – KNOW YOUR TOPIC! “Gaining an initial appreciation of a topic or

publication – Putting a subject into context to understand the individual components in connection with each other….providing you with insights into historical and cultural background...” (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/arts/studyskills/new/libraryandresearch/whento.html)

As you read or skim, write a list of key words to look up on the catalog or in databases, so you can find out more information.

This will also help you narrow your topic!

USING BOOKS

Read summaries of a topic you enjoy in general and specialized encyclopedias. Note the different treatments and connections between subtopics.

Look at other books in the same section of the library as other books you look up.

Use Table of Contents and the index in books for keywords. Search for those words in the catalog and databases.

Look for a bibliography or “Suggestions for Further Reading” at the end of a source to find more information on the topic.

http://library.acadiau.ca/help/tutorials.html

QUESTIA

www.questiaschool.com

15,000 full-text ebooks at your fingertips 24/7!

See your IB coordinator or librarian for access.

Click on View Demo to see video on full instructions.

Good for finding background information

DATABASES IBO EE readers prefer you stay away from websites! Databases have journal, book, newspaper, and

book articles that aren’t available on the internet. Information is more reliable (put together by

experts). Anyone can publish anything on the internet!

Information is usually more current. Many different ways to narrow or broaden search. You know exactly where the information came from.

Databases usually give you the citation = less work! Wikipedia is a wiki (editable by anyone). If you use a website, make sure it’s reliable:

Who wrote it, when, and where did they get their info? What makes this person an expert???

USING BOOLEAN OPERATORS AND – looks up both or all words but they will not

necessarily be next to each other OR – Finds articles with any of the words, not all –

broad search (more hits but not as specific) NOT – Will find articles that don’t have the word after

the word Not - Example – New Orleans AND football NOT hurricane

“phrase search” – Use quotes around the exact phrase you want to look for – very specific and very narrow search - Example – “As I Lay Dying”

Add words to get fewer results. Deduct words for more.

Truncation – Using * brings back words with same root. Example: inform* brings back articles with the words inform, informs, information, informing

Also try the Advanced Search Feature which typically uses boolean operators.

UNDERSTANDING BOOLEAN OPERATORS

http://www.mountsaintvincent.edu/library2/venn.htm

Example:(roach* or cockroach*) and (exterminat* or kill*) not

conveyor

I’m looking for a way to kill roaches, but I don’t want information about the Roach conveyor belt system.

The advanced search engine typically uses boolean operators, so try it first if there is one.

See list of database logins and passwords on circulation desk.

Use boolean operators and keywords.

Only select relevant databases.

Click on full-text to go straight to the article.

(narrow)

Use Journal and Book tabs for scholarly info.

Article Type

Remember to copy the citation into your Works Cited & proofread it. (IB requires the URL at the end.)

Copy the citation format that you’re using for your essay, but check to make sure it’s in the latest ed. (i.e. MLA 7th) & correct.

PLAGIARISM Using someone else’s phrases, words, ideas, charts,

music, graphics, data, etc. without giving him or her credit.

Use quotation marks around other people’s words and put the author’s name and page number in parentheses after. Then list the source in the Works Cited page. Use www.easybib.com to create citations.

Paraphrasing – Even if you put someone’s words into your own words, it is still plagiarism unless you put his or her name in parenthesis afterwards and include the source information in your Works Cited page. Don’t change just one or two words!

When in doubt, cite it!

LET A LIBRARIAN….

Help you find information you need Help you find the source info for citations Help you understand how to cite information Help you locate the right database Help you use the database

It’s our job to help you!