A new year means new classes, new studies and maybe a new approach to doing research. But all this newness can be difficult to navigate. Thankfully, there is a solution, available to every student, faculty and staff member on campus. The IU East Campus Library is here to help, with plenty of databases, finding aids and good advice to help students, staff and faculty in engaging with a new year’s worth of learning.
The new A-Z list
Looking for a more organized, simpler way to find important databases? The library recently launched a revised Databases A-Z list, with numerous features that help with finding information. The library includes databases for all subjects taught at IU East, along with broader spectrum databases such as EBSCO Discovery Search and ProQuest Central. Added new features to the A-Z list include tags for identifying types of information (like primary sources, full-text articles and open access databases), a frequently updated list of new or trial databases and a concise description of the database’s contents. With these new features, plus a bolder, cleaner structure, the new Databases A-Z list is easier to use. Moreover, all IU East databases, books and electronic resources are available 24/7 to all students, staff and faculty with an IU East username, passphrase and Duo Authentication.
IUEREF
When stuck on a research project, it’s always a good idea to get help from an expert. IUEREF is a quick and efficient way to get firsthand assistance with research queries, reference questions and resource location issues. By filling out a simple form or sending an email, an IU East librarian can respond to inquiries quickly, respectfully and with context. Want assistance on finding the latest discoveries in a specific research area? Need help on compiling a literature review? Can’t find an article for class, but have a citation? Not sure what a peer reviewed journal looks like? Just have a question? Ask us!
Basic information literacy
The ability to identify and use good quality information begins with good habits. One of the easiest and more reliable standbys for interpreting information is the SIFT Method, developed by researcher Michael Caulfield at the University of Washington Center for an Informed Public. The SIFT Method, while deceptively simple, is an excellent starting benchmark for information assessment. First, when encountering new information, STOP and think about it. Is it plausible? Is it ridiculous? Is it too good or weird or inflammatory to be true? Often, this first step is enough to help avoid reading misinformation or spreading it to others. Then, INVESTIGATE the source and see if it is a generally reliable source of information by using tools such as FactCheck.org and Media Bias Fact Check. These tools, along with a careful read of the information, can help decipher whether or not a news story is true. Next, FIND better coverage. If the initial source of information is not good, then seek a more reliable source. Last, TRACE claims back to the source closest geographically to the events that are described in the news article. Local and regional reporters, because of their proximity, are often in an excellent position to report on a local story, and local coverage from reliable sources is a clue that the information is accurate. The more local coverage, the more likely a story is true. The SIFT Method is quick, effective and can help lead to finding reliable, higher-quality information.
The IU East Campus Library is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but online databases and IUEREF services are available 24/7. All U East Campus Library services are free to everyone in the campus community. Need help knowing which resources are best for a paper or project? Want to find better quality sources? Curious about a topic for research purposes? Ask Us! in person or online.