Assigment Calculator | Selecting a topic | Identifying databases | Searching for articles | Internet Research | Evaluating sources| Books & other materials | Citing your sources | Plagiarism | 1-Click | OneNote | Help
Using Assignment Calculator to plan your assignment
How can you make sure you are on track so you finish your paper on time?
The Assignment Calculator [1] is a tool that shows the steps that should be completed in the process of writing a research paper. After entering an assignment due date on the Assignment Calculator page, the result is a list of these steps and dates by which each should be completed. Each step also includes links to documents that provide explanations and tips on how to complete that particular step.
How can you select a topic that is workable?
Click here [2] to find the following information:
What are some ideas on ways to select a topic for a paper?
How can you determine if a topic is too narrow or too broad?
How can a narrow topic be broadened?
How can a broad topic be narrowed?
Identifying databases to use to find articles on your topic
After your topic has been selected, where do you get the articles you need?
Click here [3] for ideas on how to find databases for your topic.
Databases useful to undergraduates:
- CQ Researcher [4]
Included in this source is a series of reports covering a variety of political and social issues. Each report contains background information, a chronology of events, a Pro-Con section and a bibliography of sources covering the topic of the report as well as other areas of interest.
- Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center [5]
A full-text resource covering social issues. It brings together information that’s needed to understand an issue: pro and con viewpoint articles, reference articles, magazine and journal articles, newspapers, primary source documents, government and organizational statistics.
- Academic OneFile [6]
A source for peer-reviewed, full-text articles from many leading journals and reference sources, with extensive coverage of the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects.
Rod Library has over 170 databases that index articles. So, if you aren't finding what you need in the above databases, come and see a librarian!
Searching for articles
You have found the databases you need, what is the best way to search them for the articles that are most useful?
Boolean searching
Boolean searching is the system used in searching most databases. For more information on using this system to the best advantage, click here. [7]
PantherProwler vs. individual databases
When is it best to use PantherProwler and when is it best to go directly to an individual database? Find out here [8].
What is the
linker and where can it be found?
Find It! @ Rod Library FAQ [9]
For additional help in searching the databases see Database Tutorials and Help Pages [10]. Not all databases have a tutorial. Also check out the Help button on the database. You may also ask a librarian for advice.
Using the Internet for research
Is it OK to use the Internet to do research for a paper or speech?
For Pros and Cons of using the Internet to do research, click here [11].
See also: Web Site Evaluation Guide [12].Undergraduate Research Engine [13] (Google custom search)
You have found some promising articles. How can you tell if they are the quality your professor recommends?
What is the difference between magazines and journals?
See: Journal or Magazine? Recognizing the Difference [14]What is a Scholarly Article [15]? What is a Peer-reviewed [16] article?
How can you evaluate the quality of a web site?
See: Web Site Evaluation Guide [12]
Searching for books and other materials (UNISTAR)
Your assignment requires that you have more sources than just articles. Where can you go to find these?
Go to UNISTAR [17] which is located under the Books & More tab on the Rod Library home page [18]. Click here [19] for information on searching UNISTAR.
Your professor says that you need to make a bibliography or list of resources for your paper. What do you do?
Click here [20] to find out.
Avoiding plagiarism and copyright infringement
You know that plagiarism is a serious offense. What are some tips on how to avoid it?
Learn tips to avoid plaigiarism here [21].
- Additional related information:
- Internet sites on plagiarism [22]
- You Quote it, You Note it [23] (interactive tutorial on Plagiarism from Acadia University, Canada)
- UNI's Academic Ethics Policy [24]
- Library Guide: Copyright [25]
- Rod Library Copyright Policies [26]
- Know Your Copy Rights [27]
- Photocopying materials on Reserve
- Print Reserves [28], Electronic Course Reserves [29], Video/DVD Reserves [30]
- Art and Music [31]
Finding definitions using 1-Click
How can you find out the meaning of words and phrases you come across while using the computer in the library without stopping to get a dictionary?
Find out about 1-Click here [32].
OneNote
What is OneNote?
Microsoft Office OneNote is a digital notebook that allows you to organize all of your notes in one place. Look for this program on Rod Library computers. Get training to use this program (and others) through ITS (Information Technology Services). OneNote workshop schedule [33] | Workshop calendar [34]
Additional help in researching and writing your paper:
Help in the Library
Research Tips [35]
Request a [Library] Research Consultation [36]
Ask Us! [37]Help on Campus
Academic Learning Center free classes and workshops [38]
Academic Learning Center brochure [39]
UNI Writing Center [40]
Reading and Learning Center [41]
Math and Science Services [42]
Ask-A-Tutor [43] (on-campus help with assignments)
