Session 5: How do we know? Part 1
Library Day
Today was a bit different – we found out about how to make best use of the library, and how to properly use references in our reports and writing. This all seemed a bit, “been there, done that”, to me, but if there’s one thing this course is teaching me it’s to just shut up and listen, and I just might learn something.
We had an introductory session, then the main part of the day which was a trip to the library. That was split into two, with one group getting an overview of how best to search for information and access the library’s resources, and other group doing a self-guided tour to learn more about how the Massey library is laid out, what facilities it has, how to track items down, and so on. I was in the latter group first, so wandered off on my own. Bit tired of dealing with people this week, sadly. Burning out?
Looking around the library
So I love library’s anyway, and have already spent a few hours in the Massey one in the evening because it’s a good place to work, and I was in Welly anyway. So, not much to learn, except where the stapler is.
Finding information
We had session with a librarian who told us about the various ways to tap into the university library’s information, and info in general via Google. How to get behind the academic paywalls, because we’re students, so we’re paying to do that.
References
The final part of the day was an overview of referencing. We made use of the referencing sections of Massey’s own Online Writing and Learning Link.
We are expected to use APA style references in our work.
I did learn something, which is that referencing is a standardized thing, and there are patterns and principles to follow. I’ve been doing this in a toally ad-hoc way since forever, so I guess I need to adapt.
We also had a stern, for Massey, talk on plagiarism. Good o.
Let’s have a practice then…
When you steal from one author, it’s plagiarism; if you steal from many, it’s research.
Johnston, A. The Legendary Mizners. Farrar Straus and Young, New York, 1953