GG102 F10 Final

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Peter GenzingerGeography Liaison Librarian

[email protected]

519-884-0710 ext. 3912

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Session Goals:

1. Discuss how to properly evaluate information to determine the best sources for assignments

2. Discuss the proper use of citations

3. Show you how use the library system to find relevant information

4. Show you where to go when you need help

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Evaluating Information Sources

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

How can I know what credible, reliable information resources are, both online and in print?

• Author

• Publisher

• Purpose

• Audience

• Content

• Accuracy

• Timeliness

(taken from Resources for Evaluating Internet (and other) Information)

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Evaluating sources for credibility and reliability1. Is the source published by a reputable press?

2. Was the book/article peer-reviewed?

3. Is the author a reputable scholar?

4. If the source is online, is it sponsored by a reputable organization?

5. Is the source current?

6. If the source is a book, does it have citations and a bibliography?

7. If the source is a book, has it been well reviewed?

8. If source is a web site, does it include bibliographical data?

9. Has the source been cited frequently by others?Source: Booth et. al., 2007

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

For further help in evaluating online information, check out our pages:

– Finding Quality on the Internet

– Resources for Evaluating Internet (and other) Information

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

What about the use of citations?

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

When presenting research or writing academic papers, we use citations in the body of the paper.

What is a citation?

– A “pointer” to credit the source of information you refer to in your paper.

– Citations point to sources (e.g. books or journal articles) you use in your paper and refer to in a Bibliography or List of References.

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Why do we need to use citations/references?

– To show where you found your information

– To show the depth of your knowledge and research

– To avoid plagiarism

When should I use citations?

– When you use direct quotes, paraphrases, or summaries

– When you use specific facts

– When you use distinctive or authoritative ideas

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

How do I reference materials in my paper?

Use APA Style (American Psychological Association)

• Example:

One recent development in cooperative

environmental management is its “potential to

deal with complexity and uncertainty”(Plummer

and Armitage, p. 842).

References

Plummer, R. & Armitage, D. (2007). Crossing

Boundaries, Crossing Scales: The evolution

of environment and resource co-management.

Geography Compass. 1(4): 834-849.

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Using Citations and Creating Bibliographies: Resources

• Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (link to the record for WLU library print copy)

• Pocket guide to APA style. (links to print copy)

• APA Style page

• Understanding citations

• WLU Writing Centre online academic writing resources

See especially the documentation for:

– Proper use of sources

– Documentation styles

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Books to assist you with the research/writing process:

• Northey, Margot and David B. Knight. (2007). Making Sense: A Student’s Guide to Research and Writing : Geography and Environmental Sciences. Don Mills: Oxford University Press. 3rd edition. G74 .N67 2007 (WLU Reserves at Circulation Desk)

• Booth, Wayne C. et al. (2008). The Craft of Research.Chicago: University of Chicago Press. 3rd edition.

Q180.55.M4 B66 2008 (WLU Reserves at Circulation Desk)

GG102: Evaluating and Citing Information Resources

Peter Genzinger

Geography Liaison Librarian

[email protected]

519-884-0710 ext. 3912