PERIODICALS (magazines & newspapers)
SUBJECT SPECIFIC DATABASES
DATABASE vs. WEBSITE
Database
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Written by professionals or experts in the field. Authority can be verified.
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Resources are edited. Many were previously published in print format.
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No advertising; databases are paid for by the school.
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Search strategies include keyword, subject, author, date, etc.
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Resources are updated frequently and copyright date is easily located.
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Easy to cite and citation is often provided.
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Free to anyone at Duke School.
Website
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Anyone can write and publish. Authority can be hard to verify.
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Information may not be edited or verified.
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Advertising and pop-ups are frequent.
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Keyword searches and advanced searching strategies available.
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Date is not always easily located. Updating varies with the site.
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Citation makers are usually unable to locate all of the info needed. User must locate missing pieces.
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Many newspaper and journals charge for full access.
NOTETAKING & AVOIDING PLAGARISM
Researchers are often told to make sure they take notes using "their own words" to avoid plagiarizing.
Tips for Taking Notes (from Energize Research Reading and Writing by Christopher Lehmen, 2012)
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Read. Pause. Think. Maybe re-read.
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Turn original page over as you take notes.
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Choose an appropriate format for your notes depending on the type of information. Examples: Bullets, timelines, webs, pictures, Venn diagrams.
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Organize your notes with boxes showing subject of your notes (e.g., "Early Life") or the question you are answering (e.g., "What is the organization's mission?")
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Keep track of the source you used for your notes.
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Record your own thoughts about what you learned. Jot down new questions, surprises, connections.
Resources at these sites are generally Creative Commons licensed and free to use.
Photos, Images, Videos