Handouts on Conducting Research, Using Source Materials Effectively, and Avoiding Plagiarism

Finding and Evaluating Source Materials

Free Web vs. Fee Web: A Guide to Using Internet Sources Responsibly
A handout that explains the difference between free mainstream sources (like those accessed through Google or Ask.com) and scholarly sources found in the library's for-pay databases.

Evaluating Sources Using the CASE Method
A handout that walks writers through a critical evaluation of sources (esp. internet sources).

ICYouSee: Six Tips for Evaluating Internet Sources
A quick overview about being skeptical of web sources.

Writing Annotated Bibliographies
A brief guide to writing effective annotations and structuring an annotated bibliography.

Avoiding Plagiarism and Using Sources Effectively

Plagiarism FAQ
A brief overview of plagiarism that includes definitions, common consequences, and suggestions for avoiding plagiarism.

Using Source Materials Effectively
A multi-part handout that introduces writers to different methods of incorporating source materials.

• Part One: Source Material and Authority: Understanding How Sources Help Your Paper
  
• Part Two: Four Common Strategies for Incorporating Source Materials
  
• Part Three: Practice Incorporating Source Materials

Avoiding Plagiarism When Using Source Materials (Focuses on Paraphrasing)
A handout designed to give writers a clear sense of what counts as paraphrasing. Includes an extensive example.

Citing, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
Some frequently asked questions about using source materials.