Arts

How not to get "lost in (cyber) space" while doing your research...

For your search, I suggest that you remember to use a “power search” using the + sign and/or – (minus) sign to limit the “hits” that you get. You will get better at searching with practice. Some search engines require that you use the limiters/extenders "and", "not", "or" instead of the "+" and "-" signs.

Try using http://www.dogpile.com as a search enging if you haven't tried it before. I like it since it gives you some other suggestions of how to search for your topic.

EXAMPLE OF A SEARCH THAT YOU MAY USE:

Death + penalty + viewpoints

Gun + control + viewpoint

Death + penalty

Etc.

You may also make a similar search in the OPAC (card catalog) in our library or in the public library to obtain print sources.

And, if you have a Palm Springs Library Card number you can search on their website which is linked to: http://www.palmspringshs.com If you live near Cathedral City or Thousand Palms Public Libraries, you may access their websites and databases from the palmspringhs site if you look under: “Public Library Connections.”

We will look at this site together during orientation.

Remember to look at print resources such as newspapers, magazines, pamphlets etc.

Citations are also an important part of research since you will need to have a bibliography and/or works cited page. Use as many helper slips in the red baskets as you need.