Library Anxiety: Locate and Access

3.1 Locate Sources

Figure out where you will get these sources. Beside each source, write its location. If it is a website, list its web address. Try to use those that your teacher or librarian has linked or bookmarked. This will save you time. If your source is a person, consider the possibility of contacting him or her, and note how to do so. Now, you will actually use the sources. You may have to acquire and use them one at a time. If so, come back to this step to locate each source.

3.2  Find information within Sources

Now that you have the source in hand, how will you physically get the information you need? (Remember the questions you wrote in Task Definition?) This all depends on the source.

A. First, make a list of keywords related to your subject. Keywords are similar to synonyms or words related to your topic. Knowing these will help you find the information you need. You can find many of these in the questions you wrote in Big6 Task Definition.

B. Now make a list of the information resources you will use. Beside each, note how you will access the information you need.

• Book: Look at the index or table of contents for your topic and keywords.
• Encyclopedia: Use the index volume (usually the last volume in the set) for the topic and keywords.
• Databases: That are subscribed to by your library (such as ProQuest, EBSCOhost, etc.).Type your topic or keywords in the search box. Try them separately and some together. Ask you librarian for help if needed.
• Free websites: Use topic and keywords in subject directories.

The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com