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MIS 201: Intro to Information Systems

A guide to help students with research in Professor Jain's MIS 201: Intro to Info Systems Class.

Before you start your search

Identify keywords and concepts - Are you interested in a specific company?  Industry?  What kind of information are you looking for?  Data?  Number of employees?  Revenue?

Where can I find resources?  How might I improve my search results?  How might I determine if a resource is available in the library?

When using Google for broad searches, CRAAP It Out

  • When was the information published or last updated?
  • Have more recent articles been published on your topic?
  • Does your topic change rapidly (Popular culture, technology)?
  • Does the source add something new to your knowledge of the topic?
  • Is the information too technical or simplified for you to use? 
  • Does the information meet the requirements of the assignment?
  • Are there statements you know to be false? 
  • Is it free from errors - spelling, punctuation, or grammar?
  • Are there links to other reliable sources?

  • What are the Author's credentials?

  • Is the author affiliated with an educational institution or prominent organization?

  • Is the relationship between the author and the institution clear?

  • Can you find information about the author from the source?

  • Is there an obvious bias or prejudice?  

  • Are alternate points of view presented? 

  • Is the author's purpose to sell, persuade, entertain or sell?

Start Searching

Start with the Basics

Google it!  CRAAP it out - Currency Relevancy Accuracy Authority Purpose
Example Search:
A)  In the Google Search box, type in COFFEE INDUSTRY (or just COFFEE).
B)  Take a look at your results.  Are any of the results a reliable source for business/market research?
C)  Type in www.ncausa.org (National Coffee Association)

Google vs Library Databases

Library Database Google and Other Search Engines

  • Best for college level research.

  • When you need to find credible information quickly.

  • Best for personal information needs including shopping and entertainment.

  • When you have time to more carefully evaluate information found on the open web.

 

Library Databases Google and Other Search Engines

  • Articles and books written by journalists or experts in a professional field.

  • All material in database is evaluated for accuracy and credibility by subject experts and publishers.

  • Reviewed and updated regularly.

  • Lack of control allows anybody to publish their opinions and ideas on the Internet.  

  • Not evaluated (for the most part).  Need to more carefully evaluate web sites for bias, accuracy, and completeness.

  • Many sites are not updated regularly and can become outdated.

 

 

Library Database Google and Other Search Engines

  • Scholarly journal articles

  • Popular magazine articles

  • Newspaper articles

  • Reference book articles (e.g., directories, encyclopedias)

  • Books

  • No sponsors or ads

 

Library Databases Google and Other Search Engines

  • Most information found through a search engine is free. 

  • Library databases cannot be accessed through search engines or the open web.

  • Many web sites found through Internet search engines contain licensed, proprietary information and require you to logon with a user account.  You must already be a member or pay for a subscription in order to access the material from these web sites.

 

Library Databases Google and Other Search Engines

  • Published content from journals, magazines, newspapers and books does not change.

  • Most material remains in database for a significant length of time and can be easily retrieved again.

  • Web site content can often change.

  • Web pages and sites may disappear for a number of reasons.  May not be able to retrieve the same content at a later time.

 

Subjects: Business, Management
Tags: management