EGR 110: Find the best sources for engineering projects Sit with your groups 1. Log onto your own device or a library laptop 2. Did you know…? The library now has a vending machine! It’s right by the printers! • Also, food IS allowed in the library • Your student ID is your library card • Most of our print books are on the Lower floor • Noise is not restricted on Upper and Main floors • The Lower floor is for quiet study • The library has useful things you can borrow for free: whiteboard markers, laptops, calculators, headphones, phone chargers & more • Study rooms can be reserved for group work weeks in advance • We can request many things from another library for you • The Digital Lab is space where you can use Macs, work on multimedia projects, and borrow cameras and sound recording equipment
Today: Why we Research Where we Research Presentations on the Databases Evaluation Sources
Research, design, and build! Use sources to inform your projects (from beginning to end) ▪ Other engineers may have already documented their work on a similar idea. Don’t reinvent the wheel. ▪ Improve your chance of success by basing your project on sound data and proven designs (and avoid bad ideas). ▪ Engineer something useful and relevant by seeking information to understand who would benefit or how a problem can be solved.
Search activity Gateway to databases: http://libguides.up.edu/egr110 Work in pairs Be prepared to show the class what you found
All together in UP Library Search You searched electricity production in UP Library Search. 1. What happens if you search: electric* production? How does switching the dropdown menu to UP Only 2. change the results?
Another thing about UP Library Search Gives you access to millions of books (including print books you can self-request from other northwest universities through Summit) Summit book loan period = 6 weeks and 0 renewals UP book loan period = 6 weeks and 2 renewals
Adding words to improve search precision To find sources in library databases that address historical and societal impacts of electricity production try adding more words to your search. Don’t forget to take advantage of the power of the * wildcard. history or histor* (finds history, histories, historical) environment or environment* (finds environment, enivornments, environmental) society or societ* (finds society, societies, societal) community or communit* (finds community, communities) impact or impact* (finds impact, impacts, impactful) pros cons benefits or benefit* (finds benefit, benefits, benefitting)
Evaluating sources you find
One evaluation “checklist” (especially for websites) ▪ C urrency ▪ R elevance ▪ A uthority ▪ A ccuracy ▪ P urpose = CRAAP test (hard to forget!)
Evaluating Authority ▪ What are the credentials of the author? Unknown? Layperson? Author is an organization? Applied Professional? Academic Professional? ▪ What does the editorial process look like? Self published? Collaborative? Editorial Staff? Peer Reviewed?
Evaluation Practice Go to: http://tiny.cc/upwind1
Evaluation Practice Go to: http://tiny.cc/upwind2
If you need more help, ask us! Visit the Research Desk • Use 24/7 chat: http://library.up.edu/chat • Book a Librarian: http://library.up.edu/meet • Email: reference@up.edu • Call: 503-943-7788 •
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