Locating Sources
When you are performing research you need to expand on where you look to find information.
This means searching different spaces (not just Google) where information sources exist and learning how to navigate these spaces. Your school library connects with you with print and online sources you can't get to from Google.
Here is a rundown of the different spaces you will use when you research:
Research Databases
Research databases were made for (you guessed it) research!
These databases are collections of information you can search. They require a log-in to access them. They are not available on the public Internet.
Databases include information sources such as: e-books, scholarly journals, professional journals, newspapers, magazines, primary sources, images, videos, and more. These sources are created by professionals and the databases are managed by professionals.
Databases also include citations for the sources you find.
⚡ Millville High School Libraries provide students with access to several research databases. Visit the MHS Libraries website for more information or see Ms. Finney, your Librarian!
LIBRARY CATALOG
Your school library has an online catalog that allows you to search for books, e-books, and audiobooks owned by the library, using a simple keyword search (like Google).
For Millville High School and Lakeside Middle School that catalog is called Destiny Discover. You can search Destiny Discover from anywhere with any device, as long as you have an internet browser and internet connection.
Talk to your Librarian visit the Library Media Center in your school to find out how to access your library catalog.
LIBRARY STACKS
You can visit your school library in person and look through the stacks (another name for bookshelves) in the library.
Informational (nonfiction) books are arranged by call number. It's OK if you don't have the call numbers or topic sections memorized! The Librarian and Library Assistant are there to help you!
Shelf-browsing, or looking at the titles on the book spines, might help you find more than one book on a topic.
While most of the information the Libraries offer is available in the research databases, it is worth looking at the stacks to see what is there.
THE PUBLIC INTERNET
When you use Google or visit specific websites, you are using the public internet. The internet is accessible from any device with an internet connection and is available for anyone to browse.
Because just about anyone can make a website with any kind of information on it, it is up to you decide if you can use a website as a source for research. You can use the CRAP test for this!
You must create your own citations for internet sources. You can use citation generator websites to help you with this.