Using Online Databases in Real and Virtual Environments: A Comparison of Search
Environments, Experience and Outcomes. (A class research pprject).

1. Write an Introduction - about a one page discussion/overview  of issues related to online searching in real (library) and and virtual (home) environments based your experience and on reading a few articles from the library literature that you will cite in notes for your discussion .
Will issues identified in literature be the same as those you identify in this project?  What new issues are emerging? etc.

2.  Develop two research topics, one for each library (no a ready reference quesiton).
Topics: one science/business, one humanities/social science
Libraries: NYPL - SIBL and HSSL.

VARIABLES TO BE COMPARED - discuss and evaluate variables for each topic and library:
     Research Environment - Environmental elements and factors relevant to place and information architecture.
     Research Experience -   User perspectives of the research experience.
     Research Outcomes -     Information outcomes - information selected to meet information need.

    Page format: (one page with two columns for each variable = 3 pages)
f    This is an example of the research experience page.  Do same for research environment and
    research outcomes.  Note - for outcomes cite material selected so you can compare differences in
    in information selected in real and virtual, for example, document type, quality, authority, etc.
 

Research Experience

Real	Virtual
SYBL	SYBL
HSSL	HSSL

The Libraries:    The New York Public Library
                                     Humanities & Social Sciences Library Home Page
                                     The New York Public Library Science, Industry and Business Library

The Research Topics:  Develop two research topics,  one appropriate to each library.
Carrying out the project:

1. Researching  in the library (real).
    For each keep a JOURNAL as  you work in library so you have notes for your paper (discussion of 3 variables).
    RESEARCH OUTCOMES: represent the sources you have selected with citations and annotations (articles, books, etc.)
                                                    These should appear in the CHART as above.
    How much information should you note for each topic?
    Select a variety of document types, for example a few articles (popular & scholarly),
    books (for virtual must be an e-book on Web),
    primary sources (can select material from digital libraries for virtual).

Use the library to its fullest capabilities of sources, services and physical space.
Choose from the full spectrum of research sources available including online, print, digital media, multimedia
and primary source material (microforms, prints & photographs, manuscripts, sound recordings).
Select the best information for your topic.
Present you information in the table.  Take a much space as needed for each table cell.

CONCLUSIONS - comparing the real and virtual environment based on your work for this project, write 2 pages (12 pt type single-spaced), expressing your thoughts on how these two environments compare for research and how differences between them might effect the future of libraries.

WRITING THE PAPER.
Paper Format: (12 point, SINGLE-SPACES)
1. Cover (title, author, image)
2. Title page
3. Table of contents (include page numbers)
4. Introduction - about one page an overview of issues related to online searching
    in libraries (real) and at home (virtual).
    Identify and read a few articles from the library literature that you will cite in notes for your discussion .
5. Chart (minimum 1 page per variable).
6. Journal notes
7. Conclusions (2 pages) - include your thoughts on the project's implications for the future of libraries.
How has this project changed your views and perspectives on online searching?
What role does the virtual play in the real?  etc.