Use the following list to compile resources for your guide:
Identify at least one index of the periodical literature in your major field (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Penn State) (remember, this should be an electronic index). You can access such indexes through the library website (https://libraries.psu.edu/) (on the homepage under “Research,” go to “Subject Guides”).
Identify one professional journal in your field that is available online and evaluate its specific strengths and uses.
Identify at least six internet sites that are relevant to your field. Choose from the following categories of information (or propose other relevant categories of information to me):
Directory of information sources/portals
Potential employers and job search services
Sample reports/documents/research studies
News services
Government documents
Discussion groups, chat rooms
Patents and intellectual property
Information on professional associations
Specialized dictionary
Encyclopedia
Biographical reference
Handbook
Subject guide to the literature
Bibliography
Information to Include about the Resources
For each resource that you include, provide identifying information (title, URL, etc.), and describe the resource in an abstract so that readers will understand its general function and its specific scope. (For example, your paragraph on the index should tell both the purpose of the index and the range and dates of periodicals covered.)
In writing abstracts, assume readers will ask the following questions about the resource:
What is it?
What is in it (content, scope)?
How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?
What tips can help someone in my field use the resource efficiently?
Organizing the Guide
Provide information about your guide and its use in an introduction. (In technical communication, an introduction is often called front matter.) Consider introducing each section of the guide if readers will not understand why and how to use a type of resource. Be sure to cover the following areas in your front matter (you can use them as headings if you want to):
Cover/Title Page
Front Matter
Table of Contents (to at least two levels)
What’s in the Guide (contents/scope)
Who the Guide is for (audience/purpose)
What the Guide assumes users know
How the Guide is organized for use
Tips for using the Guide
Evaluation Criteria
Your project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content. The guide is complete (it includes all the required information), and the sources identified are current and significant.
Format and Organization. Readers will be able to find the information they need. Related materials are grouped. The guide is “usable.”
Style. Abstracts give specific information in efficient sentences.
Audience Adaptation. The guide offers explanatory material or instructions where necessary to help the designated audience conduct research through the Internet.
Mechanics. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct.
Identify at least one index of the periodical literature in your major field (Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, Penn State) (remember, this should be an electronic index). You can access such indexes through the library website (https://libraries.psu.edu/) (on the homepage under “Research,” go to “Subject Guides”).
Identify one professional journal in your field that is available online and evaluate its specific strengths and uses.
Identify at least six internet sites that are relevant to your field. Choose from the following categories of information (or propose other relevant categories of information to me):
Directory of information sources/portals
Potential employers and job search services
Sample reports/documents/research studies
News services
Government documents
Discussion groups, chat rooms
Patents and intellectual property
Information on professional associations
Specialized dictionary
Encyclopedia
Biographical reference
Handbook
Subject guide to the literature
Bibliography
Information to Include about the Resources
For each resource that you include, provide identifying information (title, URL, etc.), and describe the resource in an abstract so that readers will understand its general function and its specific scope. (For example, your paragraph on the index should tell both the purpose of the index and the range and dates of periodicals covered.)
In writing abstracts, assume readers will ask the following questions about the resource:
What is it?
What is in it (content, scope)?
How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?
What tips can help someone in my field use the resource efficiently?
Organizing the Guide
Provide information about your guide and its use in an introduction. (In technical communication, an introduction is often called front matter.) Consider introducing each section of the guide if readers will not understand why and how to use a type of resource. Be sure to cover the following areas in your front matter (you can use them as headings if you want to):
Cover/Title Page
Front Matter
Table of Contents (to at least two levels)
What’s in the Guide (contents/scope)
Who the Guide is for (audience/purpose)
What the Guide assumes users know
How the Guide is organized for use
Tips for using the Guide
Evaluation Criteria
Your project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Content. The guide is complete (it includes all the required information), and the sources identified are current and significant.
Format and Organization. Readers will be able to find the information they need. Related materials are grouped. The guide is “usable.”
Style. Abstracts give specific information in efficient sentences.
Audience Adaptation. The guide offers explanatory material or instructions where necessary to help the designated audience conduct research through the Internet.
Mechanics. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct.
