Research & Resources @ The Library

Prepared for: Dr. Peter MallorySociology 100

February 6, 2014Suzanne van den Hoogen, MLIS

Student ID = Library Card

Virtual Tour: Exploring the Library websitehttp://sites.stfx.ca/library/

Your Assignment…

Analyse your assignment questions:

What does this question mean?How much detail does your professor require?

Where do I begin?•Read about your topic – know your subject matter.•Brainstorm ideas• Think about Key Words & Key Concepts•Write your thesis statement

Questions to ask:

Ask yourself… Is this source reliable? Is this source current? Have opinions changed? What are the current trends in this research area? Are there any gaps in the research? Is something missing? Who is the author? Are they an expert in this field? Do they represent multiple points of view or do they express bias for their

own point of view?

Scholarly vs. Popular Sources

Popular• Magazines• Written by journalists, students,

popular authors, or no author listed• Flashy covers• Advertisements• Brief articles• Trade Journals: Business, Finance,

Industry (Written by experts, but may not be peer reviewed)

• Newspapers

Scholarly• Journals• Written by experts• Evaluated by experts: “Peer Reviewed”• Authoritative Source• Usually include:

– Credentials of the Author– Abstract– Bibliography– Specialized vocabulary– Reference List

Questions to ask:

Tutorials:

One-on-One Session? Contact Suzanne

Citing References: ASA Citation Style Guides

HM 561 A54 2007

StFX Sociology Department: ASA Style Guide

Ask a Librarian: We’re here to help you!• In-Library• In-Person

• Reference Desk• Personal Appointments• Email: refdesk@stfx.ca• Telephone: 867- 2242

• Online• LiveHelp

• Contact Suzanne• svandenh@stfx.ca• 867-4535

Liaison Librarian for: • Anthropology

• Education, Adult Education

• Political Science

• Sociology

QUESTIONS ?