Self Help: Searching & Evaluating
Search Strategies
Are you finding too many results? Too few? Use the resources below to learn to search better and smarter!
- Planning Your Search [video]
Learn how to plan a search to be more successful and efficient.
- Search Strategy Worksheet [doc]
Use this worksheet to keep track of your searches.
Academic Databases vs. Google
Improve your Googling with the info below, and make sure that when you use Google, for school or for life, that you have all the best tips and tricks at your fingertips.
Databases vs. Search Engines: What's the Difference? [video]Find out the difference between search engines and databases and when it's best to use each.
- Refine web searches | Google Search Help [webpage]
Tips from Google on how to use symbols or words in your search to make it more exact. - You Can't Just Google | Columbus State [video]A short video from Columbus State University about why just searching Google isn't enough for academic assignments.
- Google Scholar Tips and Tricks [PDF - 487KB]How to be more effective and efficient searching Google Scholar.
Google Like a Pro:
Did you know that there are over 40 search operators that you can use to search Google more effectively, many of which can be used in Scholar too? Here are the top five that I use consistently, plus a Handout that we produced for a workshop for postgrads this year.
Evaluating Information
Evaluating the accuracy and suitability of information is important for every academic assignment! Use the resources below to learn how to critically evaluate all the resources you find from the library and beyond.
TRAAP Test
Learn how to critically evaluate the information you are using for an assignment.
- Peer-review in three minutes | North Carolina State University Library [video]Learn how to evaluate journals and what constitutes a 'peer-reviewed' journal.
- How to evaluate websites [PDF - 487KB]
An easy acronym to help you evaluate the reliability and relevance of information you find on the Internet. - Legit-o-Meter Tipsheet | Mozilla Web Literacy Basics [website]There are billions and billions of websites, but not all sites are created equal! The folks at Mozilla Learning Networks suggest a few things to check to help you decide if a website is legit.
Using Information Ethically
Academic Integrity is one of the most important parts of University learning. Use the resources below to learn why you should cite all your information and how to use information in an ethical manner.
- Academic Integrity: a brief guide for students | University of Otago [PDF]A two-page UO introduction to Academic Integrity, referencing, preventing plagiarism and where to get further help.
- University of Otago Academic Integrity Policy [webpage]The University of Otago's information for students about Academic Integrity.
