Finding Reliable Information

Finding information isn't difficult--you can get millions of results just by typing a few words into your favorite search engine and hitting "Enter." The challenge, however, is finding GOOD, RELIABLE information and knowing when you've found it. This page can help you learn about the different kinds of resources you have available to you here at Harding.

Books

What are they good for?

Presenting summaries of research, events, or topics
Collecting in-depth information about a particular topic
Pointing you toward other resources through bibliographies and reference lists.

Where can I find them?

At the Harding Library

In the Sharpe eBook Collection (works only at school)

At the Saint Paul Public Library

Newspapers

What are they good for?

Covering current events as they happen(ed)
Presenting analysis of trends or issues
Offering primary source material on an event, issue, or person

Where can I find them?

Through some ELM Databases

Through the Saint Paul Public Library

Scholarly journal articles

What are they good for?

Presenting an overview or analysis of a topic
Presenting a credible perspective on a particular topic
Pointing you toward other resources through bibliographies and references
Offering secondary source material

Where can I find them?

In the ELM Databases (just choose the appropriate subject area)

Through the Saint Paul Public Library Databases (you will need a SPPL library card number to access)

Search engines and databases: what's the difference?

Search Engines

Anyone can publish a website that appears in the search results.
Information is not organized.
Information is not stable; locations and content change.
Free to anyone with computer access.
Great for personal information, trending topics, and entertainment.

Databases

Content is reviewed and recommended by librarians
Information is organized
Information is stable
Cost money. They are purchased by the library, school, or state.
Great for scholarly, academic, credible information.