Search tips
Searching the shelves
The Dewey code is the number on the label of the spine of the book. This is the system that the library uses to organise its collection. Dewey codes for early literacy include:
- 370: Education, specifically 372: Primary education and 375: Curricula
- 649: Child rearing
Searching the Stanton library catalogue
Links directly to the online catalogue using its subject headings:
Searching the web
Google scholar is a powerful tool that is easy to use because it is familiar and enables natural language searching for academic peer-reviewed writing:
- Google scholar link
- Use filters to refine search, such as peer-reviewed, open access, date range
How to evaluate information sources
There is such a lot of information available, particularly online, and it is increasingly important to use critical reading techniques. Really considering the quality and credibility of the information. The easiest way to remember how to evaluate sources is using the CRAP test:
- C – Currency – how current is the information, does currency matter for your search
- R – Reliability – is the source of the information reputable, has it been peer-reviewed
- A – Authority – is the author credible, check relevant expertise
- P – Purpose – is the information factual or opinion, check if there is any agenda
References
Cassell, K. A., & Hiremath, U. (2019). Reference and information services: An introduction (Fourth ed.). Facet Publishing.
Charles Sturt University. (2022). INF406 Research skills guide: Evaluating information. https://libguides.csu.edu.au/INF211-406-Research-Skills-Guide/evaluate