Locating Sources

Mr. Stone began discussing Section 26 of Hacker's A Pocket Style Manual. Mr. Stone shared how the authors of Writers Inc refer to the forms of information as "information packages" and the various locations where information might be found as "information locations."

Grocery Shopping Analogy

Stone compared researching to shopping for groceries. He argued most children learn through experience and observation the many different packages in which food is contained (e.g. cans, bottles, boxes, and plastic, paper or foil packets) while tagging along with a parent whose completing the shopping. As children grow older, parents often turn their children into helpers, directing them to get needed items. Familiar items are simply named. Less familiar items are further described by their color, size, or packaging. Parents tell the child the section of the store where the item can be found--produce, bakery, deli, frozen food, etc. Over time, children become efficient shoppers. Students are expected to gain a similar set of skills as researchers. They must learn the common forms in which information is "packaged" and where it is located so they can efficiently gather the information they need.

Cable Provider Analogy

Stone compared database providers to cable television providers. Libraries have options of database providers like people have options of cable providers. Not only do libraries have options of database providers, but they have options as to the number of periodicals to which they have access in the same way that person has options in the types of cable packages they may purchase from a given provider. Typically more expensive options offer more options. The Loma Linda Academy 7-12 Library uses Ebscohost as its database provider.

Homework: Complete the description of place with a dominant impression if not completed and bring the "bubble sheet" distributed by the religion teachers to the next class period. Students should have filled in their first attempt at defining their primary and secondary questions. In the next class, students will work on identifying their key search terms and variations, the forms/types of packages of information they are seeking, and the expected location of this information.