Virtual Library The One-Stop Information Shop

Virtual Library The One-Stop Information Shop

Information Sources Information comes in a variety of formats – – – Print Nonprint Electronic/digital In two minutes, make a list of information sources

Information sources The Internet is the most widely used resource to access information. One has access to a wealth of information in a matter of seconds. What are some other reasons for using the Internet as a resource for information?

Information sources Anyone can post information on the web. As we all know, the Internet is not regulated by anyone, company, or organization. Since there is no company or organization that checks the information posted, there are many sites with – – – Information not based on facts Bias Unreliable information What other things does one need to be aware of when searching the web?

Information sources 1. 2. 3. 4. When we access information from the Internet we need to: Check the author’s authority or credentials See if the information came from a reliable source Determine if the author is writing with bias Determine if the information written has been edited or checked.

Information sources As a reader/learner, we need to determine where the information came from. A primary source? Have you played “telephone” before? What has happened to the information once it’s been passed around?

Information Sources At times, people pass down information based on their opinion or ideas. People make assumptions and share information based on assumptions and not facts.

Virtual Library There are many sites that, by subscription, one can access trustworthy, reliable, and unbiased information. One has access to information that has been verified and edited. Our electronic source for information should be first accessed via the Virtual Library.

Virtual Library The Virtual Library has many databases and is comprehensive enough to supply any information you need at any level and for any subject. The Virtual Library provides links to sites on the web. These recommended sites, however, have been previewed and checked by educated eyes and recommendations have been made.

Virtual Library To access the site: 1. Log on to http://ferguson.dadeschools.net 2. Select “Faculty” 3. Select “Departments” 4. Select “Information Center” 5. Select “Information Center Website” 6. Select “Virtual Library” 7. Select “Secondary Resources”

Virtual Library Grolier Online Facts on File Choices Explorer Knowledge Source (SIRS) NewsBank Gale WorldBook Online Reference Center

Virtual Library

One Place

One Place

Choices Explorer

eLibrary Science

Facts on File

Facts on File

Gale

Grolier

NewsBank

SIRS Knowledge Source

World Book

World Book

Virtual Library The username and password for all of links on the database is: – Username: miamidade – Password: miamidade

Virtual Library Features Printer-friendly options Dictionary/Thesaurus Links to websites for additional information Email feature Tagged List/Search History Citation examples Global search within each database