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Rider University Libraries

CMP-125 (Harris, Spring 2022)

Learning Objectives

Hi! I'm Prof. Melissa Hofmann, and I have created this guide to best help you complete your assignments for your CMP-125 class with Dr. Harris.

This guide will give you the context and basics in research strategies and tools, so you can save yourself time and get the most out of your learning.

It's a complicated world of information, and the Rider University Libraries are here to provide you with access and help you navigate.

Library webpage

View of library home page with library hours at the top, various search boxes with the One Search Box the default search box on the screen, and buttons for Books and more (the library catalog), Databases, Journals, Research Guides. The chat button on the right menu is highlighted in yellow. FAQ, Ask a Librarian, Interlibrary Loan, Research Instruction, Study Room Reservation are other options in the right and menu.

Introduction to Research in the Academic Library

  1. Articulate the place of the academic library in the information landscape.
  2. Navigate and describe the resources and services available on the library home page.
  3. Explain types of authority.
  4. Understand source types (popular, scholarly)
  5. Introduction to Library One Search to find 2 scholarly sources or long-form journalism (magazines) on your topic: a modeled search.
  • Navigate the screen and understand search filters and options.
  • Enter search terms.
  • Limit by source type: academic journal OR by peer-reviewed ; magazines
  • Choose a result
    • How to determine if a source is worth using
  • Get the full text.

Research Exploration & Research Questions

The first part of research is exploration. Our research questions and thesis evolve as our understanding of a topic evolves.

Let's use the databases to see:

  • What's out there: Topics of articles
  • Scope of articles (how specific they are)
  • What are you not finding that you want answered?
    • We can come up with strategies to find sources so you can answer your question.

We can use Library One Search and/or specialized databases to find scholarly sources on your topic.

  • Navigate the screen and understand search filters and options.
  • Combine keywords into an effective Boolean search
  • Limit by source type: academic journal OR by peer-reviewed ; books and ebooks
  • Evaluate results
    • How to determine if a source is worth using
    • How to use results to modify search
  • Modify search if necessary.
  • Get the full text.
  • Organize what you find!
    • MyEBSCOHost
    • Export citations to RefWorks.