Library & Archives

While there does not exist a single definition of "information literacy," there are five steps commonly associated with it:

1. To recognize when information in needed.
2. The identification and definition of needs.
3. To competently find information.
4. To evaluate the sources.
5. To use the information ethically and efficiently.

Information literacy enables you to find and use information to the best of your ability. As information platforms are constantly changing, it is important to review and refresh your information skills.

Advanced research is a challenging undertaking which requires perseverance and planning. It is likely that you will need to use both primary and secondary materials in your research. Though there are not official rules on what constitutes primary and secondary materials (it can change between professions), we can say that primary sources are sources created at the time of an event, such as correspondence, art, media (images, music, and videos), data, archival documents, etc. Secondary sources on the other hand, are reflective and analytical, such as textbooks, journal articles, book/article critiques, etc. Library and Archives Canada published an excellent explainer of primary and secondary sources.

If you haven't already completed the Research Skills Tutorial on D2L, we highly recommend you do so before continuing.

There are 5 key steps to conducting research:

1. Choose a subject: Decide on the scope of your subject, find associated key words, etc.
2. Search for information: Consult references, conduct a literature review, use the techniques learned in your Online Research Skills Tutorial, etc.
3. Access useful information: Modify your search criteria when necessary.
4. Evaluate the sources: Analyse the sources, identify what's missing, are the materials sufficient? Using the 5 steps of evaluation (credibility, authority, etc.) conduct a critical evaluation of the sources you intend to use.
5. Write and cite: Include your literature review if required.

An excellent way to evaluate books and articles is by reading critical reviews. For the best search results you should have the author, title, and date information.

Research is a continuous process. For the benefit of both you and your research, it is important to keep current with your subject:

• Create email alerts on your search criteria in databases.
• Sign up for RSS feeds of blogs, websites, and databases in your field.
• Join professional and academic associations:
  • Scholarly Societies Project
• Sign up for association Listservs, which can be found at:
  • CataList
  • TileNet
• Pay attention to upcoming and recent conferences in your research subject and within your profession.

Protect yourself, learn the laws of copyright in Canada. View our subject guide on copyright. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office provides information on current copyright protection. In the summer and fall of 2012, the Government of Canada passed and adopted a new law: The Copyright Modernization Act which affects citizens and how they use information, extending the fair dealing exception to include education, however, digital locks trump any educational exceptions or fair dealing.

Laurentian University has signed on with Access Copyright: The Canadian Copyright Licensing Agency, an agency that "represent[s] the reproduction rights of and distribute[s] royalties to thousands of Canadian writers, visual artists and publishers" (Access Copyright, 2010).

Two well-respected Canadians share significant information on copyright and intellectual property online: Michael Geist (Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa and Canada's Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law) and Ariel Katz (Professor of Law at the University of Toronto and holds the Innovation Chair in Electronic Commerce).

Copyright (©) protection is vast and complex. There are cases, as students and professionals, where we need further information. The following are useful links for various acts and websites that can help clarify intellectual property, electronic documents, and personal protection:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
• SOCAN
• SLAW - Canada's online legal magazine

Our Research Repository - LU Zone UL is host to the electronic theses and dissertations accepted at Laurentian University. Consulting these documents can enable you to better understand thesis formating as well as provide specialised information within your subject area. Explore the collection by browsing by subject, by author search, or through advanced searching.

Several databases offer access to international theses and dissertations, such as ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.

Others focus on regional collections:

• Canada - Theses Canada portal
• English - British Library EThOS
• French - TEL, Theses
• European - Dart Europe