Information Online

___If you’re reading this you have the resources to find almost anything you want to know. All it starts with is a question. Once you have ask yourself, "Do I know how to find your answer efficiently and effectively?"

___A school librarian’s job has always been to help students find their answer. While the task is still the same, the rules and resources have changed. A good school library will not only teach you how to use the resources within its four walls, but also the resources outside these walls.

Organize your search using the Super 3, Big 6, or Think Tank
Find information using the district’s online databases
Use search engines to find additional information
Evaluate the source of the information
Add pictures, sounds, or other multimedia
Pick a format and cite your information appropriately
Synthesize how to present the project and self-evaluate yourself

Get Organized!

1) What question am I trying to answer? What kinds of information will help me answer it?
2) Brainstorm a list of resources and then choose which would be best to begin with.

Organization Resources
	Think Tank	Use this online tool to create an outline of guiding questions.
	Graphic Organizers	Look over this collection of graphic organizers for a variety of projects.

* “Get Organized!” based off questions 1 & 2 of the Big 6

Online Databases

3) Locate the resources and find material within them.
4) Look for the information that’s relevant to your question.

Most online databases are subscription services** are backed by a reputable organization. These are companies you provide information you can trust and cite confidently.

Online Databases
	World Book	The online version of this popular encyclopedia with many additional features
	EBSCO	Search for newspaper, magazine, radio, and other articles
	Culture Grams	Find up-to-date information on the various countries and cultures around our world

* “Online Databases” based off questions 3 & 4 of the Big 6
**All Online Databases require username & password (available from the Student Resource Pamphlet located in Beebe's LRC)

Search the Internet

2) If the online databases don't have information about your topic, what new methods can you use to search for results?
3) Use boolean search methods to narrow your results to the information that’s relevant to your question.

Search Engines
	Nettrekker**	This subscription search engine contains sites reviewed and leveled by teachers. If the words are too difficult to read, use the read aloud option!
	Beaucoup	Use this meta search engine to search Google, Yahoo, Altavista, Fast, Ask, Lycos, MSN, Wisenut, Hotbot, & AOL at once!
	MetaCrawler	Use this meta search engine to search Google, Yahoo, MSN, Ask, About, MIVA, & Look Smart all at once!

* “Search the Internet” based off questions 2 & 3 of the Big 6
**All Online Databases require username & password (available from the Student Resource Pamphlet located in Beebe's LRC)

Pictures, Sound, Video, and More!

___We live in a visual and interactive age. Why can’t your project involve the same features? Use the following links below to search for pictures, sound, and video!

Image	Music/Sound	Video/Multimedia
AP Photo Archive**	AP Photo Archive**
Maps 101**
Discovery School
Pics 4 Learning
School Center
Copyright Free Pictures
Kaboose

* “Pictures, Sound, Video and More!” based off questions 2 & 3 of the Big 6
**All Online Databases require username & password (available from the Student Resource Pamphlet located in Beebe's LRC)

Copyright & Plagiarism

Students	Teachers
In the era of copy & paste, it’s easier then ever to break copyright. As a student you’ll need to learn the rules of using and creating works.	Schools and libraries are lucky when it comes to copyright, we have a bit of leeway in the realm of fair use. Before you make any decisions, however, ask yourself the four fair use questions:
Creative Commons is a site where you can create your own license, search for works you can use, or talk about WHY you'd even want to copyright your work. Don't believe me? Watch the video!	1. The purpose and character of the use 2. The nature of the copyrighted work 3. The amount used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole 4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work
Copyright for Kids	Technology & Learning's Handout
Richmond School District	Using Copyright Media in Class
CyberBee Q&A	Copyright Lessons for Librarians
Copyright Brochure	CyberSmart Curriculum

Did you write this?

___Most of us are not “experts” on the topic we are writing about. This is totally fine, but you will need to make a list of the resources you’ve used in your report or project. If you do not, this is considered plagiarism, to steal or pass off the ideas or words of another (MerriamWebster, 2007), and you can get in BIG trouble for it!

Common Citation Formats:
MLA – Modern Language Association
APA – American Psychological Association
Chicago Style – Chicago Manual of Style
*Naperville District 203 suggests that you use MLA format when creating a Works Cited page.

Recommended Online Citation Tools
	Easy Bib	If you’re working with MLA format, Easy Bib is the way to go. Other then being a bit slow, the site is totally free!
	Noodle Tools	Unfortunately Noodle Tools went to a subscription years ago, but you can still use the express version for free!

* “Did you write this?” based off questions 4 & 5 of the Big 6

Synthesis & Self-Evaluation

How will you present your information?
Typed Paper with pictures and/or charts
Oral Presentation (acting, speech, etc…)
Multimedia Presentation (Power Point, Photo Story, etc…)
Performance (play, skit, etc…)

How will you know if you did a good job?
Review your Big 6 skills:
Is my information accurate and from reliable sources?
Have I given credit to all my sources?
Is my work neat?
Would I be proud to have anyone view my work?
Have I practiced reading it aloud?

* “Syntheis & Evaluation” based off questions 5 & 6 of the Big 6
**All Online Databases require username & password (available from the Student Resource Pamphlet located in Beebe's LRC)