Class Handouts ~ CSD291/Prof. Edwards

 

Goals of Library Instruction

• To provide an introduction to databases specific to the assigned topics
• To make the student aware of other resources available via the library and the library web site
• To discuss how to find relevant information on the Web

 

The Assignment

    Groups will produce a presentation on their chosen topic. Over the course of researching the presentation, at least five references are required with an emphasis on journal articles. At least three of the five references will be journal articles. References should not be prior to the year 2000. The remaining two references may be from reputable Internet sites or books. For complete guidelines, refer to the information provided by your professor.

 

Information Sources

    Sources provided by the library include databases, research advice via the web site and the library catalog.

Finding Articles

    Here is a list of databases that may be relevant to your topic. Remember that descriptors and the Thesaurus are available to help you define your search terminology:

• Child Development and Adolescent Studies
• Communications and Mass Media Complete (CMMC)
• ERIC (EBSCOhost)
• PsycINFO 

Additionally, you may use our Central Search to search multiple databases simultaneously.

 

Suggested Categories for Topics Caregiver Influences Gender Differences Special Populations Early Intervention Hearing loss/ Hearing aids/ Cochlear Implants Prematurity Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Toxins/Substance Abuse Cultural Dialects or Bilingualism Career in Speech Language Pathology Augmentative and Alternative Communication

 

Additional Resources

    The following research advice pages are available to help you with your project

• Communication Science & Disorders Research Guide
• APA Style Guide
• Evaluating Information: Are My Sources CRAAP? (from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology)
• My blog post on evaluating information sources

    Reference Books

• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association Ref. BF76.7 .P83 2001
• APA Style Guide to Electronic References Ref. BF76.7 .P83 2007

Using the CRAAP test, what can you learn about these web sites? Martin Luther King, Jr. - A True Historical Examination Friends of Ebenezer Swamp (University of Montevallo) Facts About Euthanasia (Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation) Why Marriage Matters and Defending Marriage: Answering the Tough Questions (Article from Focus on the Family) About Abortion (About.com) Global Warming 101 (Cooler Heads Coalition) Hear Us Now (Consumers Union) A Primer on Gasoline Prices (Energy Information Administration)

 

Library Services

    Services provided by the library include face-to-face reference assistance at the Ask Here desk, live chat assistance , help via e-mail or phone and Interlibrary Loan.

    Librarians are available at the library over 60 hours a week. For e-mail assistance, contact Jason Cooper by e-mail or Facebook or by phone at (205) 665-6114.

    Interlibrary Loan forms may be filled out directly on our web site or obtained at the Ask Here desk. Please search the library catalog before submitting your form to ensure that the library does not already have access to the material. Allow seven to 10 days for your request to be filled. When submitting your form, please provide as much detail as possible so that staff may locate your article.

Revised 9/15/09