Searchpath
Using Searchpath

Here are some reasons for using our tutorial.
  • To introduce students to library research
  • As homework to prepare students for a session of database searching (even in conjunction with a visit from a librarian)
  • To target student needs by assigning specific modules

Module 1 Module 1: Getting Started
This module covers types of information sources you can use for your topic.
  • Familiarize students with information sources including academic books, journals, and reference books.
  • Provide an introduction to library resources before students come to the library for a class visit.

Module 2 Module 2: Choosing a Topic

This module covers topic selection and how to identify keywords to search your topic.
  • Teach students tips for topic development.
  • Help students learn to transform a research topic into effective keyword searches.

Module 3 Module 3: Searching a Library Catalog

This module introduces you to searching library catalogs. You may use a number of different library catalogs during your Lesley career, including Lesley University's FLO Catalog, a neighboring academic library, even your local public library.
  • Introduce the characteristics of library catalogs.
  • Coah students through basic library catalog searching.

Module 4 Module 4: Finding Articles

This module covers how to use article databases to identify articles on a subject.
  • Coach students through basic periodical database searching.
  • Help students adjust their keyword searches to find more articles
  • Help students recognize the difference between scholarly, professional, and popular periodicals.

module 5 Module 5: Using the Web

  • Provide students with information about using the World Wide Web effectively for academic research.
  • Introduce critical evaluation of an information source using a Web site as an example.

module 6 Module 6: Citing Sources

This module covers citing sources and plagiarism.
  • Introduce students to the purpose of citing sources and how to avoid plagiarism.
  • Give students a chance to practice recognizing appropriate quotation and paraphrasing of sources.

Since each module ends with a short quiz that can be e-mailed, faculty can require completion and hold students accountable.

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