Academics & So Much More! Blog - Research Guides at Tidewater Community College

🚫🔍 Why Google Isn’t Your Best Friend for Academic Research! 📚✨

Hey there, knowledge adventurers! 🧙‍♀️ Are you ready to level up your research game? While Google is great for cat videos and recipe hunting, it might not be your trusty sidekick for academic research. Let’s explore why it’s time to step away from the search bar and into the library! 🌟

🌐 The Google Mirage

Google can feel like a vast desert of information, but beware! Many of the “facts” you find may not be reliable. It’s like a treasure hunt where you might end up with fool’s gold! 🏴‍☠️ You need scholarly sources, not random blog posts or Wikipedia entries. Ask yourself who can add and make changes on Google & Wikipedia?

🧙‍♂️ Enter the Library: Your Research Wizard!

Your library is a magical realm filled with vetted, peer-reviewed resources! Here’s why it’s your best bet for serious research:

Credibility is Key: Academic journals and books are like enchanted scrolls—they’ve been reviewed and vetted by experts in the field. TCC Libraries offers you a way to evaluate sources in order to find the right resources for your assignment. You won’t find that level of quality just scrolling through Google! 📜✨
Access to Databases: Your library grants you access to fantastic research databases like Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, and so much more. These are treasure troves of scholarly articles, books, and reports that you won’t find on a simple Google search. 🚪🔑
Narrow Your Focus: Libraries have specialized databases and research guides for every subject imaginable. Need articles on climate change? There’s a database for that! Want historical documents? They’ve got you covered! 🌎📖
Advanced Search Tools: While Google might overwhelm you with results, library databases have advanced search features that let you filter by subject, publication date, and more. It’s like having a magic map that leads you straight to the good stuff! 🗺️✨

🏰 Bonus: Help is Always Nearby!

Your librarians are likewise wizards ready to assist you whether in-person or online, you can reach out to a TCC Librarian through Ask a Librarian! Whether you need help with citations, finding specific sources, or navigating databases, they’ve got your back. Don’t hesitate to ask for help! 🧙‍♂️📞

**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**

Recent Posts

Faculty Partnership with TCC Libraries & VIVA Curriculum Driven Acquisitions Brings Savings to TCC Students!

TCC Libraries support for Faculty participation in the VIVA Curriculum Driven Acquisitions Program saved 759 TCC students a total of $42,737.11 in textbook costs since Fall 2023. VIVA’s innovative program enables libraries to license eTextbooks that match course materials selected by faculty. This program ensures that students have free access to course materials while reducing financial stress and supporting academic success.Chef Jonathan Wilson, Assistant Professor and Department Chair of Culinary Arts— "Over the years of teaching in higher education, I've observed a concerning trend: the rising cost of student textbooks. Not only are prices increasing, but many students have also shared with me that the ability to own a textbook is becoming less common. On the positive side, the availability of free e-books for study is a significant development. This not only eases the financial burden on students but also provides them with immediate access to the materials they need for class."TCC Faculty, we would love to share how this program has benefitted your students and courses. Please consider leaving a comment! (P.S. Thank you to the faculty who already emailed quotes, too!) ...

What do Libraries Mean to You?? What is in your Personal Library Collection

The VA Beach Campus glass display explores what libraries mean to you and what you like to keep in your personal library collection. Stop by your campus library or comment below to share what libraries mean to you or what you keep in your own personal library!What Do Libraries Mean to Me?To me, libraries are like treasure chests — full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered! They’re places where time slows down, allowing me to dive into worlds of science fiction, learn something new, or even just relax in a cozy corner. There’s something magical about finding a book you didn’t know you needed or stumbling across a random fact that sparks a new obsession.But libraries aren’t just about books. They’re community hubs, offering workshops, events, and a safe space for everyone. It’s where I go to escape the noise, find inspiration, and let my curiosity run wild. Whether in print or digital, libraries are my go-to for endless possibilities, and I’m grateful for every quiet moment spent inside their walls.In short? Libraries are like the quiet superheroes of the world — always there, always ready, and always full of surprises.What's in My Personal Library Collection?If you ever peeked into my personal library at home, you'd be in for a fun ride! It's a mix of all the things I love — from science fiction and fantasy novels, like Star Trek and Star Wars all the while imagining a galaxy out there. I’m currently obsessed with genealogy. You'll find a hefty stack of fantasy epics, comics, and biographies that keep me entertained, and audiobooks when I’m away from my home. The best part? It’s not just books. My library also has things like my funko pop collections, pictures from comic cons, postcards for scrapbooking, and random little treasures tucked between the pages — because sometimes, a book or collection is more than just a story. It’s a whole world. **The glass display is located on the 2nd floor of the Joint-Use Library (VA Beach Campus). The display will be up until the end of the semester.**...

🔍Google vs. Databases (Research Hack)

🚫🔍 Why Google Isn’t Your Best Friend for Academic Research! 📚✨Hey there, knowledge adventurers! 🧙‍♀️ Are you ready to level up your research game? While Google is great for cat videos and recipe hunting, it might not be your trusty sidekick for academic research. Let’s explore why it’s time to step away from the search bar and into the library! 🌟🌐 The Google MirageGoogle can feel like a vast desert of information, but beware! Many of the “facts” you find may not be reliable. It’s like a treasure hunt where you might end up with fool’s gold! 🏴‍☠️ You need scholarly sources, not random blog posts or Wikipedia entries. Ask yourself who can add and make changes on Google & Wikipedia? 🧙‍♂️ Enter the Library: Your Research Wizard!Your library is a magical realm filled with vetted, peer-reviewed resources! Here’s why it’s your best bet for serious research:Credibility is Key: Academic journals and books are like enchanted scrolls—they’ve been reviewed and vetted by experts in the field. TCC Libraries offers you a way to evaluate sources in order to find the right resources for your assignment. You won’t find that level of quality just scrolling through Google! 📜✨Access to Databases: Your library grants you access to fantastic research databases like Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, and so much more. These are treasure troves of scholarly articles, books, and reports that you won’t find on a simple Google search. 🚪🔑Narrow Your Focus: Libraries have specialized databases and research guides for every subject imaginable. Need articles on climate change? There’s a database for that! Want historical documents? They’ve got you covered! 🌎📖Advanced Search Tools: While Google might overwhelm you with results, library databases have advanced search features that let you filter by subject, publication date, and more. It’s like having a magic map that leads you straight to the good stuff! 🗺️✨🏰 Bonus: Help is Always Nearby!Your librarians are likewise wizards ready to assist you whether in-person or online, you can reach out to a TCC Librarian through Ask a Librarian! Whether you need help with citations, finding specific sources, or navigating databases, they’ve got your back. Don’t hesitate to ask for help! 🧙‍♂️📞**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**...

Understanding Secondary Sources: Your Guide to Research Essentials

When embarking on a research journey, you'll often encounter the terms "primary sources" and "secondary sources." While primary sources provide direct evidence from the time of an event, secondary sources interpret and analyze these original materials. In this post, we’ll dive into what secondary sources are, their importance, and how to effectively utilize them in your research. For example, a biography about an author is considered a secondary source, while the words or original work from the author is considered a primary source. What Are Secondary Sources?Secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of primary sources. They often summarize, critique, or synthesize information gathered from original materials. Common types of secondary sources include:Books: Academic texts that provide comprehensive analyses of specific topics, often referencing multiple primary sources.Journal Articles: Scholarly articles that discuss research findings, theories, and historical interpretations based on primary data.Biographies: Works that offer insights into the lives of individuals, using primary materials like letters and diaries to construct narratives.Documentaries: Films or series that analyze historical events using interviews, footage, and expert commentary.Encyclopedias and Textbooks: Reference materials that provide overviews and context on a variety of subjects.Secondary sources play a crucial role in research, offering valuable interpretations and analyses that enhance your understanding of a topic. By effectively utilizing these resources, you can navigate the complexities of your subject matter with greater clarity and depth. Whether you're a student, educator, or lifelong learner, engaging with secondary sources will empower you to contribute thoughtfully to the ongoing conversations in your field.Happy researching!**Some information in this post was inspired by ChatGPT.**...

🔍Google vs. Databases (Research Hack)

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