Library Learning Services

Library Learning Services offers classes in the University Park Pattee-Paterno Library. In addition to a Library Research Basics class, we are also pleased to offer RefWorks and EndNote training seminars. New this year is the Alerts via RSS feeds/Email class.

Note: fall classes do not open for reguistration until August 17th at 9 am. The RefWorks class offered during the fall break (November 24th) does not open for registration until October 26th at 9 am.

Prerequisites: none

This class will help you get started with your research project by learning how to search for books, articles, and other research materials in the CAT and select library databases, including ProQuest. You'll also find out the basics of APA and MLA citation styles.

Objectives:

• Search the CAT for books, videos, and other library materials
• Search online databases for journal, magazine and newspaper articles
• Learn the basics of APA and/or MLA citation styles

Library Research Basics – Fall 2009

Research in a Nutshell - Library Research Basics - Spring 2010

Prerequisite(s): Basic computing skills; basic knowledge of Microsoft Word; Knowledge of Firefox or IE

Refworks is a web-based, citation management tool. Use Refworks to collect citations and documents, cite sources in Microsoft Word, and share citations and documents with others. This session will cover the basics of how to use Refworks for your research needs.

Objectives:

• Create a Refworks account
• Search Library databases to gather and export citations to Refworks
• Use Refworks to format and insert citations in a Microsoft Word document

RefWorks - Fall 2009

RefWorks - Spring 2010

EndNote (patent pending) can be used to search online bibliographic databases, organize references, images and PDFs in any language, and create bibliographies and figure lists instantly. Instead of spending hours typing bibliographies, or using index cards to organize references. Attend one of these seminars to learn how to get the most out of EndNote.

EndNote – Spring 2010

Prerequisite(s): PSU userID and password required; basic computer skills

Learn about an alerting service that will keep you constantly informed, via RSS feeds and email, of the latest news or research in your field. Construct your own "personal electronic research assistant." This is also a good introduction to RSS feeds.

Objectives:

• Learn the basics of alerts and their uses
• Learn strategies to create alerts specifically designed to retrieve information tailored to your research needs
• Learn how to retrieve alert-generated information via email and RSS feeds

Alerts via RSS feeds/Email - Spring 2010

Prerequisite(s):  Basic computing skills; basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Firefox.

Description:

Zotero is a free, easy-to-use Firefox extension to help you collect, manage, and cite your research sources. With Zotero you can import citations from online databases, archive and annotate websites, insert and format citations in Microsoft Word, and share your research with others.

Objectives:

• Learn how to create and modify your Zotero library
• Understand how to import data into your Zotero library
• Use Zotero to insert/format citations and bibliographies within Microsoft Word

Getting Started with  Zotero - Spring 2010

Description:

Google Scholar is a gateway for discovering scholarly literature in a broad array of disciplines using Google’s beloved clean and simple interface and powerful search algorithm. This hands-on session will introduce you to Google Scholar, highlight the benefits and limitations of this tool, and demonstrate how it can be integrated into your research process.

Objectives:

• Understand the results and content provided by Google Scholar
• Configure your Google Scholar preferences to discover literature available at Penn State
• Implement effective search strategies in Google Scholar to maximize relevant results

Understanding Google Scholar - Spring 2010

Library Learning Services
814.865.9257
Gateway Desk
814.865.6368
instruct@psulias.psu.edu