good information

good information

Where to Get Things

Where to Get Things

, , , Library Resources, Library Services, Matt Dilworth, Website
If you’ve been anywhere near Hayes Hall recently, you’ve probably encountered a lot of construction, and the attendant noise that accompanies it.  Navigating the current quirks of the building – for example, the only working elevator is currently the one that goes through the library, the School of Business offices, and the custodial supply room; not the main one – can be like going on an adventure.  So, while we would love to have you in the library (and we are still fully open for business, with plenty of computers and study spaces arranged in our book stacks), we understand if, just for this one semester, you would like to avoid us as much as possible. But you still need … Continued
Nearing the Finish Line

Nearing the Finish Line

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Research
A semester can seem like a marathon, but we’re in the final stretch of it now.  With final exams upon us, many papers and projects are coming due.  Most students have probably completed the majority of their research by this point, and may only need one or two extra articles or books to cite.  But even if you haven’t got that far, all hope is not lost. The first step is to focus on what you know.  Pick a topic that you already know a lot about, even if it doesn’t excite you.  This will reduce the amount of exploratory time you need to spend getting up to speed, and as you evaluate claims authors make, it will be invaluable … Continued
The Truth about Conspiracy Theories

The Truth about Conspiracy Theories

, , , , Research
You’ve probably heard that the illuminati has been trying to overthrow the US government since its beginning, right?  And of course you know the earth is flat, not round like all those “scientists” claim.  The moon landing was obviously faked, because how could people ever really do that?  You’ve heard all of these theories, but hopefully you don’t believe a single one of them.  These are a particular branch of misinformation known as conspiracy theories. (source: knownyourmeme.com, unknown creator.) Conspiracy theories are not new, and most definitely not true.  For as long as there’s been publishing, there’s been evidence of conspiracy theories, some of which still exist today.  While some conspiracy theories stem from a longing for information and a … Continued
Staying Sharp

Staying Sharp

, , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
With the close of another semester, you’ll have a well-deserved break to spend time with family, catch up on pursuits you put off during the semester, and generally enjoy yourself. But the things you’ve learned – particularly critical thinking and how to research – can accentuate your everyday pleasures, too. For example, lots of us like to unwind after a long day with some time watching television. Plenty of TV shows and movies create immersive worlds for us to enjoy, but oftentimes the particulars have been changed to suit the dramatic narrative, and can give a skewed impression about what’s real and what isn’t. Maybe you watch history-inspired fiction on the History Channel, like Vikings, Knightfall, or The Curse of … Continued
Dear Google Scholar: We love you, but…

Dear Google Scholar: We love you, but…

, , Library Resources
At this point, most college students know that fake news is insidious and a real threat to their credibility as students and researchers. However, because many people do not realize they have access to academic databases (both in Indiana and Ohio) through their state library system, most people turn to Google to look up and verify information. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always work as well as one would hope. Google includes lots of services and search results, like Images, Books and Maps. They’re fast, east to access and completely free, which is what makes them so ubiquitous. In fact, 64% of the world’s Internet searches are done on Google. Most users are also aware of Google Scholar, which on the surface … Continued