This document provides an introduction to conducting library research. It outlines various library services available for research help, including in-person, online, and borrowing materials. It discusses information literacy topics like recognizing information needs, locating relevant sources, evaluating information, and ethically using information. Examples of common research questions are provided. The document also covers copyright, citing sources, and choosing appropriate citation styles. Finally, it emphasizes selecting the best information resources to meet users' needs and gaining fluency in library resources for academic and career advantages.

1. Introduction to
Library Research
Penny Huffman, Librarian
Originally developed by Dan Hickey, IST Librarian

2. Bettmann Archive
 Bill Gates bought this archive,
the most prestigious collection
of historic photos in the
United States, so he could
bury it.
 In 2001, he hired 19 trucks to
move it from Manhattan to a
limestone cave 220 feet
underground in Butler
County, Pennsylvania.
Weinberger

3. Library Services
Research help
In person: walk-in, appointment, telephone
Online: E-mail, IM/chat
Website
The CAT and LionSearch-our inventory of
holdings, including e-books
500+ databases
Borrowing materials
Up to 200 books, DVDs, CDs, maps, etc., for the
semester
Libraries can get materials for you from other
libraries worldwide

4. Information Literacy
Recognize the extent of an information
need
Locate relevant information
Evaluate the information
Effectively and ethically use information
ALA

5. What resources have
you used in high school
to do research?

6. What are the libraries’
Spring hours?

7. Where can I find a book
to help me learn or
understand Python?

8. Where can I find a full text,
scholarly article about social
networking?

9. Database Comparison
v.
Evaluate the two based on the following criteria:
Authority/scholarliness
Currency
Scope
Usability
Value-added features
In what situations would you choose one over the other?
Google, ProQuest

10. Copyright & Citing Sources
Plagiarism
“The action or practice of taking someone
else's work, idea, etc., and passing it off as
one's own.”
Resources:
Citation style guides: APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
EndNote, and Zotero
KnightCite
Oxford English Dictionary

11. Calvin College

12. Summary
Resources should be selected based on
how they best meet user’s needs
Libraries are one important component of
filling an information need
Fluency with library resources gives you a
competitive advantage in your schoolwork
and, later, in your job

13. Questions?
Penny Huffman
jph22@psu.edu