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How to start finding information

Learning Intention:  Have a better idea what tool to use to help you find information

   Understand what the Deep Web is and how your school provides access

Help I've got to research and don't know where to start

Think of the internet like an iceberg. What you see on the surface through search engines like Google is only a tiny fraction of the size. Most of it lies hidden below the surface in the deep web. The deep web isn't searchable by a regular search engine because the content is behind paywalls, which require you to fork over money to get access to the content. Thankfully the PGSS Libr@ry is here to help!

We subscribe to e-resources that give you access to some of that content. So now you know they exist let's talk about how to pick the right one and where to find them.

Types of Research Tools

Part of knowing where to start is picking the right tool for the job.

Type of Tool Examples of the Tool Uses
Encylopedia

Wikipedia

World Book

An encyclopedia contains general knowledge information about a topic.

It gives you information that is easy to access in a convenient location

It gives you a broad view of the topic but not a deep one.

Web Portals

GALE Science in Context

GALE Current Affairs in Context

GALE GREENR

Web portals are curated websites that pull together articles from other sources on particular topics.

The articles may or may not be relevant to your specific question / statement but will be on that topic.

They provide accurate content.

The articles linked may be factual or opinion.

Databases

Explora

 

A database contains many articles from different sources. It has not been curated.

The articles must be searched for so you can specify what you want to find.

Articles may be scientific or contain data as well as news reporting.

Video Libraries

Curio

Learn360

Heritage Minutes

 

Contains videos on particular subjects

Videos are curated or made by the source

Visual/Auditory way to get information

 

Where to find the tools

Does your assignment have a LibGuide? If it does there's probably links to suitable tools on there.

If not use the research tools for your subject area on the main LibGuides page. We subscribe to databases and other tools that help you get the facts.

There is also the DLC website which has an "E-resources" section