Comp 252 - Technical Writing MWF 10:10 - 11:15
Gretchen Treadwell Section
Librarian - Minna Sellers - sellers_m@fortlewis.edu Office (RL106) Hours T-F 10-11 (call or email first) Reference Desk Tues 5-6p; Weds/ Thurs 12-1. 

Class Sessions:

• Session 1 Feb 29:

“Literature review” – purpose, incorporation into research paper, appropriate sources.  
Primary, secondary and tertiary sources -  definitions vary depending on field/ discipline

• Primary sources - usually evidence and raw data, original research. Sciences may consider published original research as "primary" sources.
• Secondary sources - books and research journal articles. Detailed summaries and interpretation, conclusions.
• Tertiary sources - reference books, compiled statistics, literature reviews and other review sources.

Citing - academic honesty, providing sources to inform and expand knowledge, avoid any possible plagarism.

Publication Cycle and overview of types of literature and journals within discipline(s);

Common types of periodicals

Scholarly Journal / =? Scholarly Articles  - Be sure to distinguish   

1. Clean Streets: Controlling Crime, Maintaining Order, and Building Community Activism   http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=21656088&site=ehost-live
2. "Community activism, effects of the economy and state policies on welfare rolls, and research methodologies"   http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=3927560&site=ehost-live
3. "Social and Political Factors Predicting the Presence of Syringe Exchange Programs in 96 US Metropolitan Areas"  http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=24347115&site=ehost-live 

Part 2 in class: Demonstration of search strategies using databases, especially specialized resources such as AnthroSource, America History and Life,  Business Source, Biological Collection, Lexis Nexis Acad Universe (Newspapers) Physical Education Index. SocIndex.  

When doing research, SLOWWWWW  DOWNNNNNNN!  Make sure you start with enough time. Don't rush it or you will miss things.
Think of a slow hike, being observant of all you come across. Make selections of "specimens" that you may or not use. You may be lead in a different direction depending on what you find. Enjoy the journey!

Periodical databases by vendor ; Database Searching suggestions

Worksheet - Start in class.  Research question and keyword worksheet - defining your research questions; translation of concepts into a database search strategy  (Boolean diagram with keywords) for use in annotated bibliography preface. Hand in at class time March 10.  Will return it March 12. 

• Reference consult requirement: Get individual or group assistance with a librarian signing off on Worksheet.
• Homework:    Search strategy preface for Annotated Bibliography: Due with Bibliography Mar 17. Write a leading paragraph for your annotated bibliography, describing research strategy and results, including names of databases searched, keywords used, relevant subject headings. Describe the reiterative process of refining and expanding your (re)search through adjusting search strings and modifying approach to topic.  Complete before Library Session 3. 
          
• Session 2 Class March 12  Review of research experiences;  Evaluation of sources

Review Assignment due March 17  Search Strategy Preface for Annotated Bibliography

Common types of periodicals.  Quick glance at popular and research periodicals.    Professional journals fall between, usually lacking peer review but authors are experts in the field. Popular or news magazine articles are typically authored by reporters/ staff writers who may or may not have expertiose in area.

Evaluation and selecting sources for a literature review/ bibliography
     Value is relative to purpose. Different types of sources are valued for different qualities.

1. Relevance to topic: also consider its significance to your research question and objective; substantive quality.
2. Primary Sources - evidence/ data; generally are examples that document reality or a particular perspective. This may include news articles, opinion pieces, editorials, web pages (particularly those of organizations or groups), interviews, videos, etc. Consider the purpose of the source and explicitly critique it. Be careful of mistaking advocacy for objectivity, take information into account.    
3. Scholarly perspective: articles in peer reviewed/ refereed journals.
4. Other publications: professional (practice vs scholarly theory) and popular/ newstand magazines (often used as primary source material). Advocacy publications from organizations - similar to web sites. 
5. Author credentials, particularly in case of scholarly work. Also consider personal and professional background, experience and perspective (advocacy bias can be valuable).
6. Reference to sources:  scholarly= citations; popular/ news - use of experts, quotes from officials, informal references.
   

•  Additional Thoughts:  Look at Information Age Mindset. Have you adapted to be have flexible research-oriented mind? 

Winter 2008 Minna Sellers, Comp252 Librarian Instructor