Learning & Transitions

McCartney LibraryGeneva CollegeJanuary, 2011

Introduction to Research

In this introduction to academic research you will explore resources in the library, practice searching

the catalog and databases, and use the bibliographic tools available.

Assignment

After this session you will write a two page paper incorporating the resources you are able to find in the library. Include a complete bibliography in the

MLA 7 citation style.

Focus & Reflect

Your paper should focus on your place as a student in this learning community. Please consider the

mission of Geneva college and begin to reflect on what it means to be enrolled in a Christian

institution of higher learning.

Geneva’s Mission"The mission of Geneva College is to glorify God

by educating and ministering to a diverse community of students

for the purpose of developing servant-leaders, transforming society for the kingdom of Christ.

We accomplish this through biblically based programs and services marked by excellence and anchored by

the historic, evangelical, and Reformed Christian faith.The curriculum is rooted in the liberal arts and

sciences,vocationally focused and delivered through traditional

and specialized programs."

Getting StartedYou may also review Geneva’s foundational

concepts from the Geneva web pages.

Brainstorm key words to use in searching the library catalog and databases. Write them down.

You will have 2 or 3 minutes to come up with a list of keywords and phrases on the role of students at a Christian institution of higher learning such as Geneva.

Gather ResourcesSearch the library catalog and databases using

your keywords and phrases.

Locate three to five books or peer-reviewed journal articles published in the past ten years on your topic.

You may use your textbook and any other articles assigned by your professors.

Create citations in MLA 7 using EasyBib.com.

Search for a Book

Information on a BookMcCAT record for a

bookGo to Google books to

get the ISBN

Cite a Book in EasyBibSearch with ISBN

Select correct information

Search a DatabaseClick “Find an Article” ASC is a place to start

Basic Search

Locate an Article

Information on an ArticleEasyBib form: Article

from a Database Tips

Fill in the form with all the information you can find.

If you have a DOC number you can quickly build a citation by using it first.

Click “Create Citation” when you have completed all the information available.

Create your BibliographySelect the citations Export, C&P, or email!

There’s More!Notebook

Click on the Notebook tab in EasyBib to use sticky notes and make an outline.

You can organize, color code, drag and drop stickies around the board to plan your paper.

Connect each sticky note with the source & add tags.

Watch a tutorial

YouTube has a series of EasyBib videos that show step by step instructions.

Several specific databases are demonstrated.

Search YouTube for “EasyBib Videos”

Build a Bibliography

Export your citations to a word processor or Google docs. If you have any questions at all please stop by

and chat. I want to hear how it goes for you and see if you discover any features I have not shown you. There

are more options so keep exploring EasyBib!

Works CitedMedieval Writing Desk. Digital image. Wikimedia

Commons. Web. 17 Jan. 2011.

"Mission Statement - Geneva College, a Christian College in Pennsylvania (PA)." Geneva College - A Christian College in Western Pennsylvania (PA) Home. Web. 17 Jan. 2011. <http://www.geneva.edu/page/mission_statement>.