Finding Information

The main sources of information are:

Non-fiction books (always have a Dewey decimal number on the spine label).
Encyclopedias (print and online encyclopedias).
The Internet (always use teacher recommended sites first).
Video and Audio (use these as a last resort - it takes a long time to view or listen to these and it is hard to make notes while the program is running).

Begin your search for information with books and encyclopedias. Remember to record the citation information.

Keep your question or task handy and check it often to make sure that you are researching appropriate information.

Search for appropriate books using the Ipac computer catalogue. Ask your teacher-librarian for help if you don't know how to search the Ipac catalogue. Using the key words that you identified when you were thinking about the question. Tip: Don't forget that you can search the Ipac catalogue from home).

Most books that you will use for research will have a table of contents at the front, and an index at the back. A glossary may be included. Encyclopedias will also have an index - usually in the last volume of the set (e.g. If a set of encyclopedias has 13 volumes or books, then the index will be in Volume 13).

Use your Sub Topic (or category names) and key words to find references to specific information. Sometimes you will find really brief but useful information in a shaded panel or box with a border on the pages you are reading.

Using your colour coded jot note system, write down important words and phrases in your jot notes. NEVER copy whole sentences - that is plagiarizing.