Research Help
HS Presentation
MS Presentation
Searching for information can be a daunting task. For example, type "World War II" into the Google search box and it will report "about 160,000,000" links. How do you know which are the best resources?
Use the resources here to help you find, evaluate and use the information you need:
- Analyze Your Topic (pdf)
- Google Search Tips (pdf)
- Searching a Database
- Evaluating Internet Sites
- Web Page Evaluation Checklist (pdf)
- Librarians' Internet Index Subject directory
- How Google Works Why didn't I think of that?
- Google Web Search Features
- Clusty Clustered search
- Dogpile Pile o' search engines
Research Resources
Quote Library lets you search for those famous words.
Library research tools from the Oregon School Library Information System. This is the best site for high school students!
What is "Fair Use"? Click here for a helpful Written tutorial.
The Big Six A proven approach to information problem-solving.
Research 101 A fantastic interactive tutorial from the University of Washington. It walks you through the process.
Evaluating Web Sites A great site from the University of California at Berkeley Library. Follow these guidelines for effective online research.
More tips on evaluating Web sites from Columbia University.
Tips to help improve your Google search skills. You'll love the results!
UW Writing Guides Also from the University of Washington. Provides a wide variety of documents and resources.
Image Search
Remember, just because "it's on Google" doesn't mean that an image isn't protected by copyright. If you have questions about the use of an image--or any information you find on the Internet--refer to the Stanford University Copyright and Fair Use Center.
Evaluating Web Sites
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According to its own disclaimer , Wikipedia is a Web-based, "open-content collaborative encyclopedia, that is, a voluntary association of individuals and groups who are developing a common resource of human knowledge."
I think it's one of the greatest developments in the history of ideas and education--but what does this mean for students that want to use Wikipedia as a source of information for tonight's homework (or any other purpose)?
It Depends
The answer to this question depends on two factors: the type of information you are seeking, and what you plan to do with that information. As a student, you need to be aware that Wikipedia is not considered a scholarly source , and nothing found in it "has necessarily been reviewed by professionals with the expertise required to provide you with complete, accurate or reliable information."
In other words, Wikipedia is not considered a reliable or valid source for serious academic research .
This doesn't mean that Wikipedia is useless, or that all the information it contains is bogus. In fact, given its "open" nature, it is remarkably accurate. It just means that, as with all sources of information, you need to be a responsible and critical consumer. Always question and validate your sources . If any lingering doubts remain, then verify the information by finding supporting information in other sources.
To better educate yourself on the advantages and disadvantages of Wikipedia , I suggest you spend some time reviewing the following information:
- Read Wikipedia's definition of itself
- Read Wikipedia's frequently asked questions (FAQs) for schools and teachers
- Read the LONG list of Wikipedia criticisms (with external links to articles)
- Read Benjamin Sutherland's article " The People's Encyclopedia " (Newsweek, 2 January 2006)
- Read George Johnson's article " The Nitpicking of the Masses vs. the Authority of the Experts " (New York Times, January 3, 2006)
- Read Dan Goodin's article " Wikipedia's accuracy judged to be as good as that of Britannica " (Seattle Times, 15 December 2005)
- "Wikipedia is just the start" - Listen to a podcast (or read the transcript) of a 2007 interview with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales
- It's such a big deal, the New York Times has a special section dedicated to Wikipedia
Most Importantly
If you have any questions about the reliability of any source you find on online, I am happy to help. Find me in the High School Library or feel free to email me with any questions.
Happy searching!
Jessica Von Wendel
Certified Teacher Librarian
Rainier School District