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module_4_search_strategies_ref-ex [2025/09/03 21:20] – michael.adams_sl.nsw.gov.aumodule_4_search_strategies_ref-ex [2026/02/25 23:11] (current) – [Informing the patron] michelleh
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 Use each of the resources to look for information about New South Wales.    Use each of the resources to look for information about New South Wales.   
  
-2. List examples of where you can you find New South Wales information in each of the five (5) resources?+2. List examples of where you can find New South Wales information in each of the five (5) resources?
    
 3. Which resources have the most current information about New South Wales? 3. Which resources have the most current information about New South Wales?
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 Another strategy is to check the subject headings within the catalogue record for another book on the subject. They may appear only as part of the full catalogue record. Online catalogues each work a little differently and you will have to check to see how yours handles subject headings. If you don't find it under one term, try a synonym.  [[https://trove.nla.gov.au/|TROVE]] is another way to explore subject headings. Another strategy is to check the subject headings within the catalogue record for another book on the subject. They may appear only as part of the full catalogue record. Online catalogues each work a little differently and you will have to check to see how yours handles subject headings. If you don't find it under one term, try a synonym.  [[https://trove.nla.gov.au/|TROVE]] is another way to explore subject headings.
  
-There is no single standard list of subjects used for all reference resources. Schools refer to the Schools Catalogue Information Service [[https://www.scisdata.com/|(SCIS)]] for relevant subject headings. Many professions, industries and disciplines have their own subject heading lists, for example medical subject headings cataloguers refer to [[https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html|MESH]]. Try to think of as many different terms for the same concept as you can, and try them all. Broaden the subject if you have trouble. For example, you might find mention of a particular Aboriginal artist under her name, 'Aboriginal artists', 'Kamilaroi artist' or 'Aboriginal art' online searches.+There is no single standard list of subjects used for all reference resources. Schools refer to the Schools Catalogue Information Service [[https://www.scisdata.com/|(SCIS)]] for relevant subject headings. Many professions, industries and disciplines have their own subject heading lists, for example medical subject headings cataloguers refer to [[https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html|MESH]]. Try to think of as many different terms for the same concept as you can and try them all. Broaden the subject if you have trouble. For example, you might find mention of a particular Aboriginal artist under her name, 'Aboriginal artists', 'Kamilaroi artist' or 'Aboriginal art' online searches.
  
 For online searching a narrow approach is often necessary in working with large numbers of results.   For online searching a narrow approach is often necessary in working with large numbers of results.  
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   * There are also indexes to individual works, for example recipe and gardening books often contain indexes.   * There are also indexes to individual works, for example recipe and gardening books often contain indexes.
  
-Some sources are arranged alphabetically by subject and it is common to bypass the index altogether. For example some gardening books are arranged by plant name and may be consulted by turning directly to an article rather than using the index. The index can help you locate information when there is no dedicated entry on a topic.+Some sources are arranged alphabetically by subject, and it is common to bypass the index altogether. For example, some gardening books are arranged by plant name and may be consulted by turning directly to an article rather than using the index. The index can help you locate information when there is no dedicated entry on a topic.
  
 To use any index effectively, including the catalogue, follow these steps. To use any index effectively, including the catalogue, follow these steps.
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   * Try looking up the most specific term first. Example, 'blue macaw' - try 'macaws' or 'parrots'.   * Try looking up the most specific term first. Example, 'blue macaw' - try 'macaws' or 'parrots'.
   * Then try a synonym, example, if there is no entry under 'money' try 'currency'.   * Then try a synonym, example, if there is no entry under 'money' try 'currency'.
-  * Then try to broaden the search term. Example, if you are looking aloe vera and find nothing under 'aloe vera', broaden to 'succulents'.+  * Then try to broaden the search term. Example, if you are looking for aloe vera and find nothing under 'aloe vera', broaden to 'succulents'.
  
-Some indexes may have broad subject headings. With large numbers of items under each subject heading, it is difficult to directly go to the most specific heading. Sometimes you may want to use the table of contents or browsing. Terms can change over time, or be different depending on location, this will need to be taken into account when searching.+Some indexes may have broad subject headings. With large numbers of items under each subject heading, it is difficult to directly go to the most specific heading. Sometimes you may want to use the table of contents or browsing. Terms can change over time, or be different depending on location, this will need to be considered when searching.
  
 //**Major point: Indexes are finding aids that help you find whole works, parts within works, topics within an individual work, or individual articles.**// //**Major point: Indexes are finding aids that help you find whole works, parts within works, topics within an individual work, or individual articles.**//
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 **Exercises for indexing** **Exercises for indexing**
  
-1. Examine the subject headings or index terms used in five (5) of the reference resources listed below.  Include at least one  book in your selection:-+1. Examine the subject headings or index terms used in five (5) of the reference resources listed below.  Include at least one book in your selection: -
  
  
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 **Finding the right information** **Finding the right information**
  
-Even if you are sure you know the answer to a question, look it up. The goal of reference is to find the right information for the patron. It is important to verify what you have found. +Even if you are sure, you know the answer to a question, look it up. The goal of reference is to find the right information for the patron. It is important to verify what you have found. 
  
   * Accurate information is important, but reference sources may not always agree.    * Accurate information is important, but reference sources may not always agree. 
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 One online search may not be enough. Not all search engines perform the same way or cover the same range of sites. Sometimes a subject guide, database or a news site is a better place to look it up. You may also consider government, education or subject specific sites which may not be indexed by all search engines. One online search may not be enough. Not all search engines perform the same way or cover the same range of sites. Sometimes a subject guide, database or a news site is a better place to look it up. You may also consider government, education or subject specific sites which may not be indexed by all search engines.
  
-  * Be aware that some high ranking results may be an ad/sponsored link.  +  * Be aware that some high-ranking results may be an ad/sponsored link.  
-  * Sites resulting from your search may appear on the list because of the number of sites which link to them, the number of times a keyword was used on the site, or may have been engineered specifically to get hits from search engines. +  * Sites resulting from your search may appear on the list because of the number of sites which link to them, the number of times a keyword was used on the site or may have been engineered specifically to get hits from search engines. 
   * Evaluate sites carefully. Examining resources in [[module_5_reference_resources_ref-ex|Module 5 Reference resources]] will provide more information on this.   * Evaluate sites carefully. Examining resources in [[module_5_reference_resources_ref-ex|Module 5 Reference resources]] will provide more information on this.
  
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 Some common problems in reference work that prevent accurate answers are: Some common problems in reference work that prevent accurate answers are:
  
-  * reading information incorrectly; for example reading the wrong line of a table or transposing numbers +  * reading information incorrectly; for example, reading the wrong line of a table or transposing numbers 
-  * not clearly understanding the patron's question and answering the wrong question; for example giving the patron information on the worst plane crash in New South Wales when the patron really wanted the worst crash worldwide+  * not clearly understanding the patron's question and answering the wrong question; for example, giving the patron information on the worst plane crash in New South Wales when the patron really wanted the worst crash worldwide
   * answering off the top of your head without verifying the information first   * answering off the top of your head without verifying the information first
   * providing outdated information   * providing outdated information
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   * accuracy, link to selection criteria for databases.   * accuracy, link to selection criteria for databases.
  
-You may want to explore further by reading [[https://indyreads.libraries.nsw.gov.au/info/fake-news-and-alternative-facts-information-literacy-in-a-post-truth-era-00007370|Cooke, Nicole A (2018)]]. //Fake news and alternative facts : information literacy in a post-truth era//. ALA Editions, Chicago+You may want to explore further by reading [[https://indyreads.libraries.nsw.gov.au/info/fake-news-and-alternative-facts-information-literacy-in-a-post-truth-era-00007370|Cooke, Nicole A (2018)]]. //Fake news and alternative facts: information literacy in a post-truth era//. ALA Editions, Chicago
  
 Always cite sources of information completely, whether an article from a magazine, a web page, a reference book, or a database. Always cite sources of information completely, whether an article from a magazine, a web page, a reference book, or a database.
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   - APA7 [[https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/apa-7th|here]]. This includes information relating to [[https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/apa-7th/DOIs | Digital Object Identifiers.]]   - APA7 [[https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/apa-7th|here]]. This includes information relating to [[https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/apa-7th/DOIs | Digital Object Identifiers.]]
  
-**Generative AI tools** refers to artificial intelligence platforms capable of generating new content, including text, images, video, audio, or code. Examples of Generative AI tools include ChatGPT (OpenAI) and CoPilot (Microsoft). Users input text and receive AI-generated content. +**Generative AI tools** refers to artificial intelligence platforms capable of generating new content, including text, images, video, audio, or code. Examples of Generative AI tools include ChatGPT (OpenAI) and CoPilot (Microsoft). Users input text and receive AI-generated content. Digital NSW has created a [[https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/policy/artificial-intelligence/generative-ai-basic-guidance|guide to generative AI]] .
  
 **Digital Object Identifiers** (DOIs) are special strings of alphanumeric characters that form a persistent link to individual publications. They are issued at the time of publication, much like an ISBN or a serial number. DOIs can be attached to a number of different publications, including journal articles, books and chapters, conference papers, and so on. **Digital Object Identifiers** (DOIs) are special strings of alphanumeric characters that form a persistent link to individual publications. They are issued at the time of publication, much like an ISBN or a serial number. DOIs can be attached to a number of different publications, including journal articles, books and chapters, conference papers, and so on.
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 **Exercise for citing your sources** **Exercise for citing your sources**
  
-  - A primary school student has come into the library and asked :+  - A primary school student has come into the library and asked:
 What do frogs eat, and where do they live, and how long do they live for? What do frogs eat, and where do they live, and how long do they live for?
 They would like images showing the life cycle of a frog, and some other information to give a talk to their class about where frogs live.  They would like images showing the life cycle of a frog, and some other information to give a talk to their class about where frogs live. 
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 Create a bibliography for the 'Frog' research. Use either Harvard or APA7 guidelines. Include all four resources in your bibliography.  Refer to the 'Cite' link in the Database you have used to locate the details for the bibliography.  Create a bibliography for the 'Frog' research. Use either Harvard or APA7 guidelines. Include all four resources in your bibliography.  Refer to the 'Cite' link in the Database you have used to locate the details for the bibliography. 
  
-Your bibliography will include:-+Your bibliography will include: -
  
   - a book from the library that you have located using the library catalogue;   - a book from the library that you have located using the library catalogue;
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 Sometimes it may be more efficient and productive to ask yourself "who knows the answer" rather than what book or online source contains the answer. Remember your job is to meet the patron's information need in whatever way works best. Putting a patron in touch with an organisation or a knowledgeable individual who can help is often a far better way to successfully meet those needs.  Sometimes it may be more efficient and productive to ask yourself "who knows the answer" rather than what book or online source contains the answer. Remember your job is to meet the patron's information need in whatever way works best. Putting a patron in touch with an organisation or a knowledgeable individual who can help is often a far better way to successfully meet those needs. 
  
-Thinking about this can actually inform how you search and where you search.+Thinking about this can inform how you search and where you search.
  
 **How can you locate local experts?** **How can you locate local experts?**
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   * Facebook group.    * Facebook group. 
  
-These may help you identify people working in various fields or relevant groups. For example if you have a question about identifying a plant - try your collection, however the botanic garden staff and volunteers, community garden enthusiast or local nursery staff may also help.+These may help you identify people working in various fields or relevant groups. For example, if you have a question about identifying a plant - try your collection, however the botanic garden staff and volunteers, community garden enthusiast or local nursery staff may also help.
  
 Other library or Council staff may have specialist knowledge to assist with referrals. Other library or Council staff may have specialist knowledge to assist with referrals.
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 Patrons sometimes need the services of groups or agencies -- for social or health issues, for example. Patrons sometimes need the services of groups or agencies -- for social or health issues, for example.
  
-Successful search strategies may include providing the patron with information about the group or agency that can provide assistance.+Successful search strategies may include providing the patron with information about the group or agency that can assist.
  
 Helping put patrons in contact with the appropriate agency for their needs is the role of information and referral.  Helping put patrons in contact with the appropriate agency for their needs is the role of information and referral. 
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   * DVDs on how to care for a person with a disability.   * DVDs on how to care for a person with a disability.
  
-Don't limit yourself to sources at hand on the library shelf or online. Think of good reference as providing assistance in meeting people's information needs.+Don't limit yourself to sources at hand on the library shelf or online. Think of good reference as assisting in meeting people's information needs.
  
 //** Major Point: Patrons may have information needs that your library’s resources alone will not meet. They may need the services of special groups or agencies.**// //** Major Point: Patrons may have information needs that your library’s resources alone will not meet. They may need the services of special groups or agencies.**//
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 {{ :bibliographic_record_sheet_example.docx |Example Bibliographic Record sheet}} {{ :bibliographic_record_sheet_example.docx |Example Bibliographic Record sheet}}
  
-When you are searching for information you should:+When you are searching for information, you should:
  
   * Note the books/subject headings/search term.    * Note the books/subject headings/search term. 
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   * "I'll need to be away from the phone for a minute while I check the shelves."   * "I'll need to be away from the phone for a minute while I check the shelves."
   * Do not use library jargon.    * Do not use library jargon. 
-  * You may need to explain the resource you are using, why it's appropriate for the question, and what the limitations may be in regards to currency or accuracy.+  * You may need to explain the resource you are using, why it's appropriate for the question, and what the limitations may be in regard to currency or accuracy.
   * It is especially necessary to keep the patron informed when using remote technologies where the patron cannot see what you are doing.   * It is especially necessary to keep the patron informed when using remote technologies where the patron cannot see what you are doing.
  
module_4_search_strategies_ref-ex.1756952425.txt.gz · Last modified: 2025/09/03 21:20 by michael.adams_sl.nsw.gov.au