Rules of Information

3/2003

SOURCE: My Rules of Information by Marylaine Block. Searcher v10(1) January 2002

Rule one:	Go where it is.
Rule two:	The answers you get depend upon the questions you ask. Corollary: If you don’t like the answers, change the questions.
Rule three:	Research is a multi-stage process.
Rule four:	Ask a librarian.

Implications of the Rules of Information:
SOURCE: adapted from Alverno College handout

Understand the organization of information sources; identify a wide range of information sources and select appropriate sources to access relevant information.
Apply flexible information-seeking strategies and formulate efficient searches appropriate to the source.
Use technological tools and analytical skills to access and interpret the information retrieved; analyze information to evaluate for quality, relevance, or perspective; assess the effectiveness of each step of the information-seeking process and refine the process.
Recognize and articulate the need for information.

Selected Resources for Conducting Research:

Books

Techniques for student research. 2000. CUW main Z 710 L36 2000
College student's research companion. 2e 2000. CUW main Z 710 Q37 2000
Guide to academic library research. 1997. CUW main Z 710 S68 1997 (also at workstations and on reserve)
Exploring the Internet using critical thinking skills. 1998. CUW main ZA 4201 J66 1998
Successful keyword searching. 2001. CUW main ZA 4460 M33 2001
The research process: books & beyond. 2e 2001. held by CSU and AC – use TOPCAT Request feature to obtain

Web sites

Guides to CUW library resources

Please consult a librarian with your questions on conducting research.

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?" – Albert Einstein