Welcome!
Please complete this brief Start of Session form.
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Session Objectives
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
- Distinguish among scholarly and non-scholarly information sources.
- Identify appropriate criteria for evaluating source credibility and relevance.
- Conduct basic searches using library search tools and Google to find credible sources.
- Explain research as a conversation taking place among information science sources.
- Begin engaging with and/or participating in the larger conversation on a particular research topic.
- Feel competent in using a defined citation style in order to situate your writing in the larger conversation on your topic.
Exploring the Conversation: Scholarly and Non-Scholarly Sources
Thematic Articles
Take a minute to review these articles related to the course theme.
Consider These Questions
- Which is scholarly? How do you know?
- In what ways are these sources in conversation with each other? What role does each article play in the larger conversation?
- How might each of these sources be valuable to researchers?
Developing a Search Strategy
Padlet Activity
Exploring the Conversation: Using Library Databases
University of Louisville Libraries provides access to a variety of information sources, including scholarly journals, books, traditional publications like news and magazines, archival and primary source materials, and more. Here are some ways to find sources:
- By selecting a database from our list of All Databases A-Z.
- Through the recommended resources within our subject guides.
- Using EBSCO Academic Search Complete, a multi-disciplinary database with over 8,500 full journals, indexing/abstracts for over 12,500 periodicals as well as books, reports, and conference proceedings.
- By searching the University Libraries Catalog, which allows you to search our collections and the collections of many other libraries worldwide.
Exploring the Conversation: Using Google
Google is a for-profit company, and its search results do not always reflect the best, most credible, or most comprehensive information. However, it can be a useful tool for finding background information on a topic as well as valuable non-scholarly sources. It can also for evaluating a source's credible using a technique known as lateral reading.
Check out these tips for finding background information on a topic.
Need Additional Support?
The Research Assistance office is located on the first floor of Ekstrom Library between the computer lab and the University Writing Center. You are able to meet with, email, call, or chat a librarian for assistance.
