OU LIbrary tutorial, 4/1/2010

Viewed tutorial, explored parts of the library (could not find past dissertation titles on this trawl, although that is probably for the best until I have settled on my own)  and started Info-Rate assessment. 

ACTION: Work through Section 2 of SAFARI (Unpacking information) which provides an overview of the different types of information available and how they are produced and disseminated. In particular, http://www.open.ac.uk/safari/php_pages/s02t06p040000.php" target="_blank">Section 2, Topic 6, Page 4 provides a drop-down list of different subject areas, with an overview of the most useful information sources in each area.
Look at the subject pages on the Library website, where you can explore the range of online resources available in different subject areas. If you have any queries about using information resources on the Library website contact the Library Helpdesk team.

Resources
SAFARI: http://www.open.ac.uk/safari
Library subject pages: http://library.open.ac.uk/find/eresources/index.cfm
Library Helpdesk team: http://library.open.ac.uk/about/index.cfm?id=6939

ACTION: Skim read Section 3 of SAFARI which provides an overview of the different search tools available and when you might use them. In particular, Section 3 Topic 3 provides information about bibliographic databases, Section 3 Topic 4 deals with library catalogues, and Section 3 Topic 5 covers search tools on the web (e.g. search engines and gateways).

ACTION: Develop your knowledge and skills in planning and carrying out a search
Have a look through Section 1, Topic 8 of SAFARI (Identifying Needs) to see if there are any tips about defining your information requirements that might benefit you.
SAFARI Section 3 (planning a search) covers search strategies, including the resources you will use, as well as appropriate keywords, date ranges, etc., in particular Topics 6, 7, and 8.
To further develop your search techniques you might like to look through SAFARI Section 4 (Searching for information) which introduces basic search techniques and provides opportunities for you to practice on real databases.

ACTION: Complete part 4 of the info rate questionnaire