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MSE 480: MSE Senior Capstone

Searching for technical literature related to Materials Science and Engineering

Prior to In-Class Library Session Do this!

To get the most out of the in-class Library Session, please do the following by Wednesday, October 2nd to prepare:

 

Step 1 : Review this Citation Manager Comparison Chart,  that compares the features of these software platforms: EndNote Online, Mendeley, or Zotero

 

Step 2 : Choose the Citation Manager platform that best meets your needs, sign up and download the relevant software and plugins to your laptop or device.

If you're using one of these platforms already, you may choose to continue using this platform, or choose another one.

While you Wait for Class to Begin

While you're waiting for class to begin:

 

  1. Go to the MSE 480 Resources Guide in Canvas
  • Pull out your laptop or mobile device
  • Log into Canvas
  • Go to the MSE 280 Course
  • Find and click the "Library Resources" menu option (left navigation bar)
  • Take a look at the resources available
  • Find the MSE 480 resources page (link at the top of the page) and Click

We will be using this page for today's presentation

 

2. Find the Library Session in-Class Activities page

Pre-Survey Results

Do you currently use Citation Managing software such as Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley to track and manage your research materials and citations?

Pie Chart 50% yes, 33.3% no, 16.7% Not sure what citation managing software does

Features of Citation Managing Software

Features of Citation Managing software:

  • Exporting records or citations from a database
  • Importing a group of records into the citation managing software
  • Organizing records by creating folders and moving records within the software
  • Editing records by adding notes, tags, URLs or PDFs, etc
  • Using a plug-in to easily add citations and references to a document as you write

 

NOTE: Some word processors have features that allow you to insert citations into your documents. For example, MS Word has a "References" feature that allows you to manually enter citation information the first time you cite a source. It creates the in-text notation and the reference citation at the end of the paper. You can then reuse that citation. These tend to lack the features of Citation Manager software and frequently have a limited number of citation styles available.

In-Class Activity Learning Outcomes

By the end of the library session, you will be able to:

  • Identify library databases to search for research articles related to your MSE 480 projects
  • Articulate the features of Citation Manager Software and their value for tracking, organizing, and citing your sources

MSE 480 In-Class Activity Worksheet

In this exercise you will:

  • Search a databases research articles, materials and standards on a topic
  • Save citations and records to your citation manager of choice and explore the features of the software
  • Practice using the citation manager tools to create in-text citations and references in a document

 

You will need the MSE 480: Activity Worksheet to complete in-class tasks. Below is a link to the Google doc.  You will need to make a copy if you want to use it to take notes.

MSE 480 Activity Worksheet

 

Share a Tip with Future MSE 380 Students!

When you've completed the in-class activities, please share a tip with future MSE 480 students by using this link

Share a tip with future MSE 480 students 

Your tips are anonymous and will be paraphrased/compiled into a list that will be posted in the course guide.

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