Topic 7: Information Gathering Process

7.1 Why Do You Need Information?

7.2 Where to Get Information?

Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) Electronic databases (ebooks and ejournals)

Locating and retrieving relevant information

Evaluating and selecting information

Internet websites

7.3 Using the Tan Sri Dr. Abdullah Sanusi (TSDAS) Digital Library for Information Gathering.

What is Digital Library?

Provides a set of digital content and services which can be accessed via networked electronic systems

Components of a Digital Library

Technical infrastructure Knowledge databases User education

Components of a Digital Library

(i) (ii)

Hardware - HP server Software - Software - VIRTUA

(i) (ii)

In-house Database - OPAC Commercial Databases - E-book Ebrary, Books24x7, InfoSecurityNetBase, ITKnowledgeBase, SpringerLink, - E-journals Ebsco, Emerald, ProQuest, ACM Digital Library, OBHE - E-thesis ProQuest Digital Dissertation - E-news NSTP E-Media, MediaBanc BLIS - E-Legal LawNet

(i)

Courses - Learning Skills for Open and Distance Learners - Basic Information Skills - Advance Information

Skills

7.4 The Information Trail

Identify topic of Assignment Searching for Information
Identifying main topic & subtopics
ICT SKILLS (i) Knowing your PC (ii) Understanding basic ICT concepts

(i) Recognising information resources (books, journals, conference papers, theses, websites, etc.) (ii) Recognising information sources (bibliographic and knowledge databases) - OPAC - Electronic databases Internet Printed materials Electronic Books Electronic Journals Websites

Searching Strategies Evaluation & Selection

Presentation

Step 1: Identify and analyse the topic Step 2: Identify the information resources and sources relevant to the topic Step 3: Apply appropriate search strategies to get maximum results, that is attaining most appropriate information material Step 4: Evaluate and select the information relevant to the topic Step 5: Present the relevant information as required by the topic In a written, PowerPoint or oral format

What is a Search Strategy?

Action plan for retrieving information.

Reason?

Requires to analyze the topic Helps to identify what information is needed and how to find it Helps to find the most relevant information

Types of search Strategy

Author search Title search Subject search Keyword search

Search by Title

Search by Author

Search Strategies

Search by Keyword

Search by Subject