This document provides guidance on researching information and includes the following key points: 1. It is important to plan your research by identifying clear keywords and questions before beginning your search. 2. When evaluating search results, consider factors like the credibility and potential biases of the information source, as well as how up-to-date the information is. 3. Bookmarking and citation tools like Delicious and EasyBM allow you to organize resources and references found during your research.

1. The questions to ask when researching

2. Before you start We are so used to going straight to Google – that we forget to plan. A little planning can save a lot of time! Evaluating and recording your search results will get higher marks! PLANNING CYCLE

4. Do I have clear keywords taken from the task that I can use as search terms?Before searching

6. Is it right for my task?

7. Do I understand it - can I put in my own words?After searching

9. http://library.midchesh.ac.uk

10. eBooks

11. http://bit.ly/mccebrary

12. eJournals

13. http://bit.ly/infotrac

14. Recommended

15. www.intute.ac.ukBe systematic Use catalogues, index pages, recommended sites Wikipedia explains and has leads, but don’t use content Get as close as you can before you click search

16. Who has put the information there? Are they an expert in the subject? If the site belongs to an organisation who sponsors it or funds it? If the identity of the author isn’t clear look for “about us” or “contact us” links for more clues. Is it peer reviewed? (mainly for HE)

17. Why is the information there? To sell goods or products or ideas? Is the information based on opinion or facts? Search for info about the source

19. Can you tell when this information was last updated? (not just the main site or when the book was printed)

21. Does it matter?

23. Owned by Yahoo (for now)

24. Store, and if you want to share with others

25. www.delicious.com

26. EasyBM

27. Not social, so no sharing, but won’t upset filters your employer may use.

28. www.easybm.com

29. Which one was that quote in again?

30. Can you find the site that quote was in that you saw 2 weeks ago when you were in college? You need it now you are writing your assignment at home!

31. Store your resources and references systematically