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HIST 1112 - EXACT Library Activity

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Assignment

1. Find a credible article about your topic using one of the library’s databases (but not Galileo). Save a copy.

2. Find a credible article about your topic using a different library database (again, not Galileo). Save a copy.

3. Find a book about your topic on the shelf at the GGC library. Take a photo or scan a copy of its cover page.

4. Find an e-book about your topic through the library (not Galileo). Take a screenshot of it.

5. Find a book about your topic available at another USG institution (not Galileo). Take a screenshot of the catalog entry.

This library guide is going to help you complete the experiential learning activity in HIST 1112. For this activity, you will be required to use library resources to find credible secondary source information about a controversial historical figure.

What is a primary source vs a secondary source?

As a general rule of thumb, a primary source is something created at the time of an event. For history research, this often means something created by the people you are studying. Primary sources in library databases can be letters, newspaper articles, or other documents. 

A secondary source is something created by a historian about the people and events that you are studying. This often comes in the form of journal articles and books written by historians. For the purposes of this assignment, you will be focusing on finding credible secondary sources.

What makes a source credible?

  • Experts in the field are usually more trustworthy. Does the author have an advanced degree in a relevant field?
  • Another test is the publisher. Is the publisher responsible a university press, or does the publisher habitually publish works by academics?
  • Another way to check credentials is to see if other field experts approve of the book. Has it won relevant awards or have supportive reviews?
  • Credible academic publications are usually peer-reviewed, meaning that the articles and/or books are checked by other experts and revised before publication. These publishers will usually describe their peer-review process on their website.
  • What is the format of this publication? A blog, for instance, is less trustworthy than an academic journal. If it is a magazine, is it written or edited by field experts? Magazines may be more credible than blogs, but less than journals.
  • What is the tone of the work? If the tone comes off as noticeably angry or biased, it should be considered less trustworthy than a more academic tone. If a person cannot maintain an objective tone in writing, were they objective in their research?
  • Is the work credibly sourced? In other words, does the author cite other credible sources?

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Printing & Scanning

You can print from a personal device (please see the instructions on the IT Services webpage) as well as from our GGC computers. Printing must be paid for using Cave Cash and you must have your Claw Card with you (please see the Claw Card Office webpage for information or click here to add money to your Claw Card). 

Costs: 
Color: single-sided 25 cents per page; double-sided 20 cents per page
Black-and-white: 10 cents per page; double-sided 8 cents per page

You can also scan documents to PDF for free by using the scanning function on the printers. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to ask someone at the desk for help!

Study Room Reservations at Kaufman Library

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  • Study rooms are located throughout the library's (Building L) 3 floors.
  • You may reserve a study room for up to 3 hours a day.
  • Reservations may be made up to 14 days ahead of time.
  • You may use a study room without a reservation, but please be aware that users with reservations have priority, and you may be asked to leave.