BIOL 101 - Taylor - Maple Woods

This is the library guide for Linda Taylor's Bio 101 class. The resources and guidance here will help you complete your keystone species paper.

• On this page, try some links in the Getting Started box if you're still trying to pick a species. Find out how you can get help from a librarian in the Contact Us box.
• On the Articles page, see a list of databases you can search to find popular and scholarly scientific articles and learn how to evaluate those for quality as well.
• On the Writing and Citing page, click the links to see tips and examples on when and how to paraphrase and download a copy of the library's guide to APA citation. 
• On the Instructional Videos page, see videos walking you through different library like database searching or using the library website.

Need help? Ask a librarian!

Trying to decide on a species? Visit the following links for a brief overview on keystone species with some examples.

Wondering what makes a source count as scholarly? Check out the handout linked below.

Want your appointment with a librarian to go quickly? Here are a few tips that should help you get signed off faster:

• Some helpful keywords to search along with your species are: keystone OR ecosystem OR trophic OR engineer
• When searching library databases, use the filters/limiters to view scholarly/peer reviewed articles. 
• Check the date! Limit your search to articles published in recent years to get more current information. Make sure your article was published at least in the last 20 years. 
• Be sure both articles are about the same species! There's more than one kind of bee or elephant.
• In most cases, a web source outside the library will probably not be approved, unless it's a scholarly journal.
• Watch out for book reviews. These will be marked as scholarly/peer reviewed, but won't give you much information. You can identify them by the publication information at the start of the article. Learn what to look for by viewing a book review sample.
• When saving a link to an article, look for a permalink or stable url, often represented with a chain icon. Some databases will time you out if you keep their tab open too long!
• Have your citations ready. It's much faster for us to approve and correct existing citations rather than creating them from scratch. Many of our databases will cite sources for you - check this guide out for how to use database citation generators. 

You have multiple options for getting your sources signed off.

1. Visit the library reference desk during open hours (8:00 - 7:00 Monday through Thursday, 8:00 - 3:30 on Fridays).

2. Get live chat help by accessing the Ask a Librarian service. Maple Woods librarians staff the chat service from 1:30pm to 7:00pm Mondays through Thursdays and 1:30pm to 3:30pm on Fridays.  

3. You can also schedule a virtual research appointment with a librarian. Once you select a time, a librarian will send you a Zoom link. Slots are limited. 

4. Email your sources and citations to erin.niederberger@mcckc.edu. Only do this as a last resort, as turnaround time may be slow. 

When working with a librarian to sign off your sources, share your name. The librarian will email your instructor to tell her when they have approved your sources.