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CCAC Library

ENG 102 (Prof. Claytor) North/Online: Library Research

Use the research databases listed here to find articles and other information from sources like newspapers, magazines, and reference materials. See the in-class learning objectives.



Find books, articles, videos, and more from a single search box.

OneSearch

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View our concise MLA Style handout (PDF) and the guide to citing in-text (PDF). 

MLA Guide
MLA in text citing

Reference librarians are available at each campus library to help you take advantage of the broad array of print and electronic resources available to you through the CCAC Libraries. For example, a librarian can help you:

  • Select and focus a research topic.
  • Devise an effective research strategy.
  • Locate relevant books, articles, and other information sources.
  • Evaluate the quality of resources.
  • Use research tools such as the library catalog and our many periodical databases.
  • Obtain materials not available on-campus.
  • Cite and document resources using a style guide like MLA or APA.
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Chat with one of our librarians to get library and research help. Our chat service is typically available during regular business hours.
 
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Schedule an online appointment with a librarian for a personalized research session. Select a date & time that works for you and we will schedule your Zoom session!
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We can also be reached through email. Send your questions to library@ccac.edu

Questions will be answered within 24 hours, Monday - Friday.
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Search our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page to see if your question is covered. If it's not, get in touch with us using one of the options found on this page.
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Prefer to contact us via text message? Text your library questions to (412) 312-3206 to get help from the library.

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Criteria for Evaluating

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to evaluate the quality of any information before using it it a paper, presentation, or some other project.

As a starting point, consider evaluating the authority, objectivity, and currency of sources. Look at the items below for more details and example questions that you can ask when evaluating sources such as books, articles, and websites.

Expertise


What should you ask yourself when trying to determine the level of expertise of the person who created the information?

  • Who created the information?
  • What kind of education or experience does the author have?
  • Is contact information available to verify the author's credentials?
  • Is the author part of a university or some other reputable organization?
  • Was the information published by a reputable source?
  • Does the author quote and cite reliable sources?
  • Is the information posted on a reliable site like a scholarly journal or someplace less reliable like Facebook?

Accuracy


What should you ask yourself when trying to determine the accuracy of information?

  • Does the information that's presented seem accurate?
  • Can you verify anything presented as a fact in another trustworthy source?
  • Was the information reviewed by an editor or peer-reviewed prior before being published?
  • Are references or citations to authoritative sources provided to support the information?

Objectivity


What should you ask when trying to determine the objectivity of a piece of information?

You can describe a source as being objective if it fairly represents various sides of an argument or issue. A source that promotes or favors one side of an argument can be described as biased or an opinionated work.

  • What’s the purpose of this information?
  • Is the author trying to sell a product or service?
  • Is the author trying to persuade you on a controversial topic?
  • Is the author trying to explain various sides of an issue?
  • Is the author sharing the results of research on the topic?


Currency

What should you ask yourself when evaluating a piece of information for currency?

  • When was the information published?
  • How old is the content of the source?
  • Does my topic need current information to be accurate or will older information be OK?
  • Does my assignment require sources that were published within a certain timeframe?

Tell us about today's session

 

Librarian

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Christopher Galluzzo
Contact:
North Campus Library
Community College of Allegheny County
8701 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5372
412.369.3663

cgalluzzo@ccac.edu

North Campus Library
8701 Perry Highway
Pittsburgh, PA 15237-5372 Map

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