1.
Our library's online catalog is used to find...
Correct Answer
B. Books & videos owned by our library
Explanation
Every library has a catalog (OPAC) that lists all of its holdings. There is a special catalog used to find the holdings of the libraries in Kansas, and online databases are used to find magazine articles.
2.
When searching in a research database, the use of the Boolean operators AND, OR, & NOT can be useful in narrowing or broadening your search results. Which Boolean operator would you use to get the most results from your search?
Correct Answer
B. OR
Explanation
AND gives the fewest and most accurate results. NOT eliminates results you do not want. OR is used to give the greatest number of results. "Cars OR automobiles" yields more records than just "cars".
3.
A primary source is...
Correct Answer
A. An original document such as a diary, letter, etc.
Explanation
Let's say you keep a journal, and you've done this over a number of years. That journal would be a primary source by and about you. Suppose you let a friend read your journal, and he decides to write about you and what you wrote. That friend's composition would be a secondary source.
4.
Failure to give credit to your sources of information is called...
Correct Answer
B. Plagiarism
Explanation
If you got this wrong you may want to check out the plagiarism interactive program on the NU Writing Center web site.
5.
Google is...
Correct Answer
B. A search engine
Explanation
Along with Altavista, Bing, Yahoo, etc.
6.
An abstract is...
Correct Answer
C. A summary
Explanation
Example: Women Writers and the Fantastic: Subversion and Liberty. This article explains how fantastic literature can serve as an instrument to deconstruct and reconstruct a new world; how in a fantastic world, a woman my construct her own identity outside the rigid roles imposed upon her in a patriarchal society.
7.
If you need a book or an article that our library does not have...
Correct Answer
C. You can order it through interlibrary loan
Explanation
Unless it is one of your textbooks, we don't feel you have to buy a book the library does not have, nor are the chances great that you would get a response from the author. Interlibrary loan is a free service offered by our library. The materials usually take a week or less to arrive. Place interlibrary loan requests at the main desk.
8.
What is the best way to search for library books on a given topic?
Correct Answer
A. Keyword or subject
Explanation
The TOPIC is the same as the subject, and if you don't know the exact subject heading, use keywords. Sometimes an author is the subject of your research, and in that case, search for your author as a subject, not as an author.
9.
Which is the best place to find research published by scholars, experts, or professionals?
Correct Answer
B. In books or peer reviewed journals
Explanation
Amazon.com is a store, and magazines and newspapers appeal to a mass audience.
10.
How do you know if someone is an authority on climate?
Correct Answer
D. Numerous articles on global warming cite her works
Explanation
It is quite possible to have a Ph.D., a web site, and throw out hard-to-understand words. These do not necessarily make you a scholar or expert. Being cited by others is most flattering to a scholar.
11.
The Internet is the most current and accurate source of information on every topic.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Definitely current but not so accurate.
12.
In critically evaluating information sources, you should consider all but...
Correct Answer
C. The length of the information source
Explanation
Length does not necessarily determine quality.
13.
Datebases, such as Academic Search Premier and Academic OneFile, are used mainly to...
Correct Answer
A. Locate journal/magazine articles
Explanation
Those databases are almost totally periodical. They may provide book excerpts and audio transcripts, but these are not their primary usage.
14.
Library classification systems (Dewey Decimal & LC) arrange books on the shelves by...
Correct Answer
B. Subject
Explanation
Library books are arranged on the shelves by subject areas so that all religious books are together, history books, nursing books, etc.