Not sure if what you're reading is a reliable source of information? Check out our guide on combating disinformation tactics and evaluating your sources of information.
It's a vital skill, for any student, professor, or independent researcher, to be able to evaluate the sources they come across in their research. You need to be able to determine if sources are useful to you and your projecest and whether or not they contain reliable information.
To understand the basics of evaluating sources of information you find on the web, watch the video below:
From the kinds of sources available, to the way each is designed to search, Academic Databases and Google operate very differently. Knowing these differences will allow you to use each resource to your full advantage, because being able to do so will directly affect your success in navigating college-level academic research!
Check out the video below to see some of the key differences between Academic Databases and Google!
You may have heard of, or even used Google Scholar in the past to search for articles. Like base Google, it can be a great tool when used correctly. Not everything that appears on Google Scholar will be accessible to you, so to make sure that it is, watch this video, or read the description below, to see how to connect the WCSU Libraries' catalog and list of databases to your search function:
In addition to WestSearch and the libraries' subscription databases, Google Scholar can be a great way to find articles for your research. But if you want to be able to access full-text articles, you must update your settings in Google to link the search results to our libraries' databases.
1. Go to Google Scholar
2. Log in to your Google account
7. Click Save.
Now, when you search Google Scholar, the text "WCSU Journal Finder," will appear to the right of articles that we have available in our databases.
Browse news articles on important events and ongoings from across the world.
Explore some free and open access resources related to the social sciences! While each of these sources are being promoted by the WCSU Libraries, it's important to remember your source evaluation and fact-checking skills when encountering any information source on the web.
