InternetSUBJECT DIRECTORIES are good for students who need a quality source and are at the beginning of their research. A subject directory offers you categories to choose from, and you should pay full attention to the categories instead of entering a keyword search. Progressing through each choice will narrow your search. The advantage of using subject directories is that you get consistently better quality sites and you are not overwhelmed with more than you can look at. Additionally, the categories provide a context for an unfamiliar Web site. SEARCH ENGINES are good to use when you have a more focused idea of what you hope to find. Generally you are searching in many, many more places than if you use a subject directory, but you will have to determine quality for yourself. (Some search engines offer their own subject directory feature.) Get to know one search engine well, and you will have a powerful search tool for all future research. BCC's AltaVista Users Guide may help you become a more confident Web searcher. Citing Internet SourcesMLA Style is recommended by the Modern Language Association for student research papers. This site offers guidelines for sources you find on the Web. Click 'MLA Style', then 'Site Map,' and then, 'MLA Style FAQ.' The APA Style is most used by writers and students in psychology, the other behavioral and social sciences, nursing, criminology and personnel areas. This site offers guidelines for sources you find on the Web and shows seven examples. Evaluating Internet SourcesA "Guide to Critical Thinking" is offered by the Ithaca College Library and will give you helpful examples. Other features include a pop quiz, homework assignments, and additional online resources for determining quality of Internet resources. Do you want to know more? This Web site from the Teaching Library at UC Berkely offers basic and advanced search techniques in the form of an online tutorial. You will find other useful information here as well. |