nformation Competency Module
Kinesiology 492
The Information Competency Module for Kinesiology 492 is two-fold. The primary focus is to familiarize Kinesiology majors with advanced level research at the HSU Library and provide them with an understanding of the resources available to successfully complete assignments for this course. In addition, students will also learn the overall importance of information literacy and how to utilize the many resources which will remain accessible upon graduation.
Developing a Research Topic
Developing a research topic is the first and foremost important decision to be made. Determining the specifics of your topic will contribute to the success of your research. Whether you are establishing a thesis statement or simply selecting a topic of interest it is important to make this your first step toward the completion of a research paper.
Searching for Articles, Conference Proceedings and other Reports
Articles from journals, newspapers, conferences and various agencies are indexed in databases. Not every database is a full-text database which provides instant access to a complete article. Some databases provide only an abstract of an article. The researcher must then find the full-text of the article in another database or in a print version of the journal, if available.
Information Literacy Module for Kinesiology 492 will focus on the following databases: Omnifile, SPORTDiscus, ERIC, Medline, PsycInfo, and Dissertations.
Each database will have the following in common:
- More Details will provide information on the database itself including: peer review; journals indexed; and other such parameters
EXERCISE
- Go to the HSU Library homepage and click on Articles and Databases, then select Kinesiology.
- Determine the date coverage for each database.
- Determine the number and types of publications indexed.
- Determine whether the content is peer reviewed.
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- Every database uses a variety of access terms such as keywords, author name, title, audience type, date, journal title, etc. The options vary from one database to another.
EXERCISE
- Go to the HSU Library homepage and click on Articles and Databases, select Kinesiology.
- Choose a search term and explore the options provided to find and access journals using OmniFile and SPORTDiscus.
- For further instruction use Research Roadmap: Searching
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- Additionally, some databases are produced by a variety of vendors and contain value-added search components.
EXERCISE
- Go to the HSU Library homepage and click on Articles and Databases, select Kinesiology
- Compare and contrast Medline databases:
- Click on the link for Medline (FirstSearch) [Subscription paid by the Library; access restricted to HSU faculty and students]
- Click on the link for Medline (PubMed; Open Access version)
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- Every database provides “help” screens to help refine and improve searching
EXERCISE
- Review Research Roadmap: Searching.
- Locate the “help” link for each database.
- Find the appropriate character to be used to “truncate” a term.
- How do you indicate a phrase?
- How do you indicate the proximity of words, i.e. within two words?
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- Peer-reviewed or "refereed" articles are read by subject experts prior to publication in a journal. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that the highest quality articles are published.
EXERCISE
- Go to the HSU Library homepage and click on Articles and Databases, select Kinesiology.
- Many databases, but not all, provide a way to limit a search to "peer-reviewed" articles. Locate only "peer-reviewed" articles on the subject of your choice in the following databases:
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- Before searching indexes and catalogs, you should clarify the information you are seeking by developing a search strategy. Every database utilizes the concept of Boolean searching (the logical relationship among search terms, specifically: and, or, not)
EXERCISE
- Using a Search Strategy Worksheet
- develop a search strategy
- use various keywords and phrases
- compare the different screens for each database
- click on
 for any article where it is displayed. Click on the webliography link where you will find options for MLA, APA, Chicago and CBE citation styles. View and compare two citations of the same article.
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Searching for a Specific Journal
- Once an article has been identified in a database the full-text may be directly linked and immediately available. This will be evident by links such as:
HTML Full Text
PDF Full Text
- Often, however, as is the case with SPORTdiscus, Medline, and the journals indexed in ERIC, it will be necessary to locate the full-text in another database or in the periodical stacks located on the second floor of the library, or through Interlibrary Loan. This will be indicated by or
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- By clicking on the “SFX” link above you will be immediately taken to another database or a list of databases (including the HSU online catalog) where you may locate the journal or be referred to Interlibrary Loan.
EXERCISE
- For further instruction on SFX links see:
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- If you are not using a database and already know the name of a journal you may search for that journal title to determine its availability online or in print at the library.
EXERCISE
- Go to the library’s homepage and click on the Journal and Newspaper Finder link
- Enter the journal title Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
- Click on the journal title where you will be provided
- a link to fulltext: Full text available from OmniFile FT Mega
- a link to print holdings: Print holdings in the HSU Library Catalog
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- If a journal is unavailable at the HSU library you may obtain a copy of the article you need by requesting it through Interlibrary Loan, as may any book or other resource not held at HSU.
EXERCISE
- Go to the Interlibrary Loan link.
- Review the Frequently Asked Questions for future reference.
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Locate Theses and Dissertations
Useful information, methodology and exemplary works are available as theses or dissertations. Many theses which have been completed at HSU are cataloged and available in the Library. Theses and dissertations completed at other universities may be located using the two Dissertation databases.
EXERCISE
- Go to the HSU Library homepage and click on Library Catalog.
- Click on the tab for HSU Theses.
- Select degree area "Kinesiology" for recent theses and "Physical Education" for older theses.
- Locate the online database for Dissertations then, using the keyword terms of your choice, find one thesis or one dissertation on the subject which is available in fulltext.
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Searching Pre-Selected Sites on the Internet
Librarians serve as bibliographers for specific disciplines and, as such, review and recommend books, journals, web sites and other resources for research.
Cold Searching on the Internet
Although “cold searching” on the Internet is one of the least effect means of obtaining scholarly, authoritative research, it is one of the most popular. Yet there is no denying that “web searches” can be meaningful and produce useful results.
Who Needs a Librarian?
Confucius said, "You know what you know and you don't know what you don't know. That is knowledge” …and that is where librarians can be helpful. Whether you are just beginning your research or you think you’ve exhausted all resources available, a librarian can advise you of the many options beyond the obvious. Librarians are information specialists, trained to educate, illuminate, and disseminate ~ and, best of all, the service is free!
EXERCISE
- Review the following links for future reference
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