Information Literacy Series: English 151

Information Literacy Series: English 151

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify the difference between scholarly and popular sources
  2. Explain the difference between searching the Internet and searching a library database
  3. Use advanced searching to navigate the Web
  4. Use a variety of keywords to refine and revise search strategies in library databases
  5. Use controlled vocabulary to further enhance search results in a library database
  6. Evaluate sources for credibility, quality, and also relevancy to research topic
  7. Synthesize information to integrate sources smoothly into writing

Introduction

The introduction provides an overview of information literacy, the library's website, and explores some beginning research topics.

Scholarly Versus Popular Sources

This tutorial will help you identify scholarly and popular resources. The concept of "peer-reviewed" is explained and includes tips on identifying research articles. Click here to access the Scholarly and Popular Resources tutorial.

Test Yourself!.

Advantages and Limitations of Searching Google

This tutorial highlights some techniques to make the most of your Google searches. At the end, SourceFinder, the library's interlibrary loan system is mentioned. To create an account and learn more about SourceFinder, visit this page: http://nku.illiad.oclc.org/illiad/logon.html.

Test Yourself!

What Are Databases and Why You Need Them

This video explains what it means to search a library database, and how it is different than searching the Web.

Test Yourself!.

Advanced Searching in a Database

Learn some tips and tricks to effectively search library databases for relevant articles.

Test Yourself!.

Keyword vs. Subject Searching

This video provides a brief explanation of the difference between keyword and subject searching. This is a concept that will help you focus your searches when using library resources.

Test Yourself!.

Evaluating Information

This tutorial provides some common criteria to use when evaluating information on the Web, in library databases, and in print.

Test Yourself!.

Using Sources in Your Paper

For many students, incorporating all your sources into a research paper can be the hardest step of the research process. Watch this video for some tips to make this step a little smoother.

Test Yourself!.

MLA/APA Citation Guide

This resource from Purdue University provides examples of MLA and APA styles. Example papers are also provided. On the page, select APA or MLA Formatting and Style Guide.

Assessment

Finished? Take the assessment now! Results of the assessment are automatically linked to a library account. Instructors may request their class data. Please email nkulibrary@gmail.com for requests.