Final

Library 2 Research Project: Annotated Bibliography & Essay Due Date: Friday, December 5 @ 12:00 Midnight 200 points Purpose The final project reflects the entire research process and it contains two parts. First, you go through the process of formulating a research question; then proceed to gather and evaluate resources; and last, compile an annotated bibliography. The annotated bibliography part of your final project is worth 50% of the grade for this activity. For the other 50%, you will present a summary of your research experience in a short essay. Your final project will be a word-processed document. I encourage you to refer to lectures and assignments throughout the term as you complete this project. The steps necessary to complete your project are listed below: Part I: Annotated Bibliography

1. Formulate a research question or topic; 2. Locate online information that supports the topic; 3. Read, review, and reflect on information retrieved; 4. For your annotated bibliography, you will:

(a) Select a minimum of 10 information sources, all of which relate to a narrowly defined topic of your choice.

o Five to seven of the sources must be obtained from the Saddleback

College Library online databases, specifically: EBSCOhost, Academic OneFile, ProQuest, and/or SIRS.

o At least three sources must be web documents other than articles from online databases.

(b) Apply the approved citation style (APA or MLA) according to your subject.

(c) Write annotations that show the purpose, use, and value of the sources.

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(d) Consult the sample Annotated Bibliography that has been provided.

(e) For advice and examples, please consult “How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography,”

http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/skill28.htm

Part II: Essay In addition to the annotated bibliography you must submit an essay (minimum two pages, single-spaced) that summarizes the following:

1. Describe your topic, the special (narrow) focus you have selected, and your interest in the topic.

2. Justify the decision you made in selecting the online articles and web sites.

3. Report which databases or search engines you used and why, which terms and strategies you used and why.

4. Analyze your progress, noting what worked and what did not work and why.

5. If necessary, describe what you would have done differently. Your summary essay must include these sections:

I. Introduction

II. Description and Evaluation of the Process III. Conclusion

THIS IS NOT A RESEARCH PAPER. The purpose of this assignment is to apply the process and resources learned in this class. It is different from a traditional research paper. Do not make this mistake. Library 2 Fall 2014 Page 2

Required Format The structure of your Final Project is as follows:

1. Title page that includes: Title Your Name Date Library 2 DE, Fall 2014

2. Annotated Bibliography of 10 sources organized alphabetically in MLA or APA style with annotations of approximately 50 words in length (consult Final Project sample).

3. Your research essay summary must be a minimum of 2, single-spaced pages. Please use font size 12.

4. You will submit your final assignment through Turn-it-In by midnight on 12/5/2014. No late assignments will be accepted.

5. Name your document Research Project (your name).

6. Due Date: Friday, December 5 @ 12:00 Midnight Before Submitting Your Final Project Ask Yourself These Questions!

1. Have I included in the essay introduction an explanation of why I chose the topic and the special focus I have brought to the topic?

2. Do the items I have chosen pertain to the topic as I have described in the introduction?

3. Have I applied the research process and resources I learned in this class? 4. Have I followed the MLA or APA style of bibliographic format for online articles and web sites?

5. Are my annotations actual critical evaluations and not just simple summaries?

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6. Are my annotations and essay written using correct grammar and spelling?

7. Have I documented the search terms, search strategies, and tools I used?

8. Have I checked for typos, misspellings? Have I corrected them?

9. Is my final project neatly typed, does it present a pleasing appearance, and is the title page complete?

Good Luck!

Due Date: Friday, December 5 @ 12:00 Midnight 200 points

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