Writing 10 (Block, Spring 2022): Welcome!

Welcome! Here, we'll discuss searching for library resources using UC Library Search, the new systemwide catalog and search tool, and databases with significant content pertaining to misinformation in the media and other arenas. We'll also learn how to retrieve journal article citations from UC Library Search and databases, and check them for accuracy. We'll also do a couple of in-class exercises to help you get started on your misinformation paper. Finally, we'll look at some resources to help you cite your work, including bibliographic citation managers.

Class outline:

• Short presentation on misinformation in journalism
• Short presentation on weighing the validity of resources; scholarly vs popular resources
• Database review: Newsbank - USA Newspapers and Academic Search Complete
• Search strategy and Boolean operators: AND, OR, and NOT
• In-class exercises
• Conclusion and assessment

Class goals:

• A better understanding of how articles can be biased or slanted
• A greater ability to recognize bias in articles
• The ability to create search strategies in databases and deploy them effectively
• The ability to find citation information in databases
• Know where/when to ask for help from the library!

The VPN allows you to connect to the library's online articles and eBooks from off campus.

Visit library.ucmerced.edu/use/technology/vpn to download the VPN.

*Image courtesy of Design Services, UCI Libraries