Search+Techniques

=﻿Available resources in this pathfinder allow the user to view on-line and print resources as well as search within subject specific databases/indexes. For search techniques and answers regarding validity, please read the information below before preceeding into the resources.=

Databases/Indexes:
According to //Reference and Information Services in the 21st Century,// indexes "give access to massive amounts of regularly updated information while guaranteeing flexible, open access" (p. 153). "The primary objective of a database/index is to help the reader find entire documents, typically journal articles, on specific topics within some large document collection" (p. 154). "Subject-based indexes index more specialized journals, newspapers, and documents. When researching a subject in depth, it is necessary to use subject-based indexes to find more detailed and usually more scholarly material" (p. 159). The indexes contained within this pathfinder are subject-based databases which focus on missiology and cultural studies. To enter the indexes, one simply clicks on the URL contained within the pathfinder, and enters. Once in, there are numerous links to find relavent information.

Print Resources:
To locate the numerous print resources within the site, fully documented citing information has been included. In order to find the print materials at the local library, a search via author or title would lead one to the appropriate location within the library to find the information. Most of the print materials contained within this pathfinder would be located in the 260 and 270 section of the nonfiction area of the library denoting evangelism/missions and church history. Biographical information would be located in the 921 and 973 sections.

Material Evaluation:
It is important for a researcher to evaluate materials before using them for research. Although librarians do follow these procedures, it is clear that a researcher's need to do so does not diminish because of this. In order to evaluate both print and online materials, it is important to follow the same steps:
 * Evaluating Print Materials:
 * 1) Accuracy
 * 2) Authority
 * 3) Scope
 * 4) Arrangement
 * 5) Methodology
 * 6) Currency
 * Evaulating On-line Materials:
 * 1) Authority: Who wrote it? What is the motive and expertise of the author?
 * 2) Reliability: Does a known organization or institution sponsor the site? Are clear contact details given? Does the URL indicate reliability?
 * 3) Currency: When was it last updated? What are the copyright dates? Are there dead links?