CAREER EXPLORATION PROJECT (CEP)

Acceptable Research Methods In order to answer the many questions that will arise during this project, finding quality information is critical. No matter the type of source (print, database, or web-only), its crucial that you can identify the authority, accuracy, currency, and objectivity of the information youve found.

#1. PRINT SOURCES (information found in print)

Roncalli Media Center A.K.A looking at every single book in the Roncalli Media Center How to use it: Go to any computer and find Roncalli High Schools media center home page o http://roncallimediacenter.blogspot.com On the right-hand column, click on Destiny Online Catalog o Students may login using their student id number (username) and first three letters of their last name (password). If you do not wish to place a reserve, you don't need to login to search the collection. Indianapolis Marion County Public Library Catalog A.K.A. looking at every single book in every single library in Marion County, all at once! How to use it: Go to any computer and find Roncalli High Schools media center home page o http://roncallimediacenter.blogspot.com Scroll down right-hand column, finding Other Libraries Access the Indianapolis Marion County Public library by clicking on the web address o www.imcpl.org Click on My Account at top of page Enter your library card number o Remember to enter to complete number, and then repeat the last 4 digits as your PIN number Click on Search (gray tabs at top of page) Click on Advanced Search (brown listing underneath the gray tabs) Explore! (try limiting your search options, depending on your location, type of info needed, most recent info, etc) Try the SHERLOC feature for a different type of search How to request material: With your library card, you can request books and other materials to be sent to any other library for pickup! After finding a book you need, click on Make Request o Be sure to check the books status (what branches have a copy, whether its in stock or not) Select a pick-up location o Be sure to make sure copies are currently available, and that you request them in time to receive and review the material. o Be sure to check the hours your library branch is open (many are closed on Saturdays and/or Sundays). o Also, check your account profile to see which email address is listed, because theyll email you when the book you requested is ready for pick-up. You can also call the branch to see if its in yet.

You are welcome to use other library systems (Johnson County, IUPUI, etc.) to which you have access.

CAREER EXPLORATION PROJECT (CEP)

AND THOUGH GENERAL ENCYCLOPEDIAS (such as Britannica, Groliers, Wikipedia, etc.) CAN SOMETIMES BE GOOD STARTING POINTS, THEY CANNOT BE USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PROJECT BECAUSE: o They typically include information that falls under common knowledge Anything that can easily be found in more than 5 locations, therefore doesnt need to be cited o They typically all say the same thing, which ends up wasting time. o Some of them, such as Wikipedia, are edited by sources whose credibility cannot be confirmed o USING MORE SPECIFIC ENCYCLOPEDIAS (such as The Encyclopedia for American Business) is acceptable.

#2. DATABASE SOURCES (information found online, but originally printed)

A.K.A. materials that have been printed in books, magazines, and other print resources, but are found through the internet (does not count as an internet source, because they are in print somewhere!) Great option if getting to library is tough to fit into your schedule!

How to use it: Go to any computer and find Roncalli High Schools media center home page o http://roncallimediacenter.blogspot.com Scroll down to Databases in right-hand column o 4 databases are listed there, but Ms. Anderson has identified these two as great starting points for this project: Facts on File Infobase (username: roncalli password:rebels) Fergusons Career Guidance Center Marion County Internet Library Testing and Education Reference Center (ID: inspire123) BE SURE TO ALWAYS KEEP TRACK OF CITATION INFORMATION (both the print AND web information) o Print off copies o Note the citation information (you need enough info that you could show someone how to find the source either in print on through a database) o Write down how you found the article What keyword did you use? What did you click on? o Download the document and save to your H drive or flash drive

#3: WEB-ONLY SOURCES (information only found online, never printed)

These sites are recommended by the guidance department as great starting points: College and Career Connections o https://connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?hsid=roncallihigh United States Department of Labor sites o http://www.bls.gov/oco/ o http://careeronestop.org/ o http://www.onetonline.org/ Future Planning websites (careful; not all of their features are free) o http://www.myplan.com o www.myfuture.com

CAREER EXPLORATION PROJECT (CEP)

Other considerations regarding web-only sources: Authority, Accuracy, Currency, Objectivity o See Evaluating Web Pages movie (posted on Costellos blogs CEP page)

#4: Ms. Anderson/Media Center A.K.A. the greatest source of research information Roncalli can provide! How to use it: Whenever you have questions on where/how to research, Ms. Anderson can quickly lead you to excellent information. And she is always willing to help those who help themselves (by seeking her out and asking)! Thats all it takes! #5: Roncalli Guidance Counselors This whole project is sort of their thing. #6: Mr. Costello Hes got inside info on how this will all be graded #7: Classmates Let others know when youve hit the mother load of information, or when a website has unreliable information. Share the wealth.