During this step, students need to be able to track down the information sources found during their searches. This may entail physically locating a book on a shelf in the library, locating an article within a reference source, or accessing an online database and locating an electronic source of information. At this stage, students need to be able to:
- Understand that libraries are organized and that knowledge of one library can generally be applied to others
- Learn that most school libraries and small-medium sized public libraries use the same Dewey Decimal classification system for the arrangement of library materials
- Understand that the Dewey call number for an information source will specify where that information source will be located in a library
- Know that it is possible to check the holdings of a library without actually visiting the library in person
- Understand the concept of inter-library loan, where one institution loans materials to another
- Understand that information exists in many different formats
- Learn how to locate information within information sources
STRATEGIES
- Visit the East Woods Library first. In most situations, materials will have been located to serve students’ needs.
- Check the Library Web site. Links helpful for assignments are on the Current Projects page.
- Check your textbooks for book listings (bibliographies) related to your topic.
- Keep track of the Dewey call numbers of the sources you use. If you visit another library, the same numbers will help you to locate information in another library.
- Use an online library catalog to check whether your public library has materials, or whether another library may agree to let you borrow their materials. Most libraries in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties will loan materials to one another. You will need to bring your library card with you to place your request.
- Learn to find information inside of sources: use indexes, cross-references, and chapter and section headings to pinpoint information.
- When using an online information source, use the Help section to view a demonstration or tutorial on how to use the database more efficiently.
- Historical documents and primary source materials are valuable references.
- Don’t forget that people may be wonderful sources of information. Think about interviewing someone considered to be an expert in the field you are researching.