The PDF file above is an electronic copy of the Zoology Research Guide sheet provided at Zoology library orientation/instruction with Dr. Colter.
It is very important to have a critical eye when searching for information found online that will be used for academic purposes. There is an evaluation criteria that can be followed in order to assist in this process.
Apply the C.R.A.A.P. Test. See the attached sheet for more details on how to apply this test.
Currency: Is this information current for the topic?
Reliability: Is this information presented with references, notes? What kind of resources does the author use?
Authority: Who is writing or presenting this information? What is their expertise on this topic?
Accuracy: How reliable is this information?
Purpose/Point of View: Why was this information produced? Who benefits or needs this information?
For more information on how to use and apply the C.R.A.A.P. Test please see this sheet produced by Meriam Library at California State Uniersity, Chico: C.R.A.A.P. Test - Evaluation Criteria.
In order to locate magazine, journal or newspaper articles you will need to search one of the library databases. The databases are arranged in two different ways:
Choose this if you know the name of the database you would like to use. For example purposes: Choose Academic OneFile. This is the database discussed during many library orientations.
HINT: To start with until you become more familiar with electronic databases, use databases that have (Gale) or EBSCO after the database name - very user-friendly. |
Choose this if you know what subject you would like to research. You will see a list of broad subject areas. When you click on one, you will see the databases recommended for that subject.
For this example, use the Subject pull down menu at the top header row > choose Sciences > Biological & Agricultural Index Plus. See below for search term tips:
Type animal AND extinction in the Search box
Check mark the box for Linked Full Text and the box for PDF Full Text
Search
Use the Facets on the left to narrow results.
To view a complete article, choose either the PDF Full Text or Full Text Finder option in the article record.
See the box in the right column for the best databases to start with when searching for magazine, newspaper and journal articles in the field of zoology.
What is the borrower ID and password?
Your borrower ID is your 7-digit student ID number. The password should be the last 4 digits of your student ID number. Please see the "Logging into HCC Libraries" page for more log-in instructions. If you are experiencing problems logging into the databases, please contact the library and we will do our best to assist you.
Includes encyclopedia articles, full-text journal and magazine articles, primary sources, multimedia, and other resources and tools for your research. Funded by FLVC group license. Here is a tutorial.
Search for scholarly literature across many subject areas and sources: articles, theses, books, abstracts and court opinions, from academic publishers, professional societies, online repositories, universities and other web sites.
If you're off-campus, Set up Google Scholar on your computer to allow access to HCC Libraries resources.