Internet+Research+Government



Created at Image Chef

= How can I find public policy to support my bill? =

Strategies for Internet Research
media type="custom" key="7457639"

Step 1: Brainstorm your resources

 * ====library subscription databases (SIRS Knowledge Source & ABC-CLIO)====
 * ====library search engine (netTrekker)====



Step 2: Identify key terms
====What are the most important words about this topic? Type those words in the search boxes when looking for articles during your research.====

Step 3: Begin the search [[image:SIRS.jpg]]

 * ====From the Round Rock High School Library home page (@http://teacherweb.com/TX/RoundRockHighSchool/Library/apt9.stm), click on the link for **Online Databases** (@http://www.roundrockisd.org/index.aspx?page=2447).====
 * ====Click on **SIRS Knowledge Source**====

====Next, you can do one of two things: 1) if you already know your topic, then you can type the keywords in the search box, or 2) if you do not know your topic, you can browse topics in the **Pro vs. Con Leading Issues** box====

1) If you already know your topic:

 * ====Enter your search terms in the box, then click **Search**====
 * ====All relevant articles will show up in the middle of the screen.====
 * ====Notice that on the left-hand side of the screen is a box called **Narrow your results**. One of your choices is **Gov't Documents**, which might be helpful for finding current policy on your topic as well as statistics to help persuade Congress to pass your bill.====
 * ====The summaries for each article are listed underneath the links. To read the full article, click on the title link and it will open a new html page with the full text.====
 * ====To cite your source, click on **Citation** at the top right-hand corner of the screen. This will send you to the end of the article -- unfortunately, SIRS only gives you the citation in MLA format, so you'll have to convert it to APA.====

2) If you do not know your topic:

 * ====Go to the **Pro vs. Con Leading Issues** box on the right-hand side of the screen and click on **More Issues**====
 * ====Browse through the alphabetical list of topics and click on one that interests you====
 * ====Notice that at the top of the screen, SIRS offers you a pros and cons list for your topic. Then to the left, it gives your further research tools, such as a timeline, the global impact of the issue, and statistics.====

Step 3: Begin the search [[image:ABC-CLIO.jpg]]
====Next, you can do one of two things: 1) if you already know your topic, then you can type the keywords in the search box, or 2) if you do not know your topic, you can browse topics in the **Database Links** box under **Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society**====
 * ====From the Round Rock High School Library home page (@http://teacherweb.com/TX/RoundRockHighSchool/Library/apt9.stm), click on the link for **Online Databases** (@http://www.roundrockisd.org/index.aspx?page=2447).====
 * ====Click on **ABC-CLIO Databases**====

1) If you already know your topic:

 * ====Enter your search terms in the search box and click **Go**====
 * ====The system will return results for you from several databases. You'll need to click on a link to go to a database to view the results.====
 * ====To view an article, click on the blue title====
 * ====To cite your source, click on **Cite This Document** in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Copy and paste the APA format into your Works Cited page.====

2) If you do not know your topic:

 * ====Go to the **Database Links** box and click on **Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society**====
 * ====The system will bring up a Topic of the Day, but if you want to see an alphabetical list, then click on the blue link for **See More Issues** on the top left-hand corner of the screen====
 * ====To visit a topic, click on the word====
 * ====You can find more detailed information by click on anything on the left-side menu called **Issues**====
 * ====To cite your source, click on the **Cite This Document** in the top right-hand corner of the screen. Copy and paste the APA format into your Works Cited page.====

Step 3: Begin the search [[image:NetTrekker.jpg]]

 * ====From the Round Rock High School Library home page (@http://teacherweb.com/TX/RoundRockHighSchool/Library/apt9.stm), click on the link for **Online Databases** (@http://www.roundrockisd.org/index.aspx?page=2447).====
 * ====Click on **netTrekker**====
 * ====Enter your search terms where it says **Enter a keyword phrase**====
 * ====Click **Search**====
 * ====Hits are listed 8 websites to a page. Each site has the following information: title, URL, summary, subject links, overall rating, and readability level====
 * ====Title = the name of the site====
 * ====URL = the address on the web====
 * ====Summary = information you can find on the site====
 * ====Subject links = related topics; click on these to find more specific/more general information related to your topic====
 * ====Overall rating = rated on a scale of 1 to 5 (1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest)====
 * ====Readability level = Level 1 (Grade 1-3); Level 2 (Grade 4-6); Level 3 (Grade7-8); Level 4 (Grade 9-10); Level 5 (Grade 11-12); NA (Not Applicable)====
 * ==== To open a website, click on the linked title ====
 * To cite your source using the APA format, fill in the blanks for the following format:
 * ==== Author's name . Title of web site. Date published or last revised. Retrieved from < Web URL >.  ====
 * ====Skip any information that isn't available====
 * ====Example: Center for Prevention of School Violence. n.d. Retrieved from < @http://www.ncdjjdp.org/cpsv/library.html > ====
 * ====Or you can use this site to help you: Son of Citation Machine. All you have to do is plug in the information, then copy and paste it.====