Research guide about my field (mechanical engineering)

Due in 24 hours from now/ due by Saturday 8 pm Eastern US time

Subject: Research Guide about my field (Mechanical Engineering)

Research in any field is vitally important.  So with this in mind, I would like to know that you are able to find relevant information about your field of study and be able to clearly communicate this information to others.  To do this, you need to become familiar with online resources specific to your field of study.  You will present and describe those resources to other members of your field in a technical guide.  You will need to make decisions about organization, format, and style as a means of creating a usable document for readers.

Answer the following questions about your field.  Use an MLA or APA citation for any information that requires one.

1.      Identify one professional journal in your field that is available online and cite its specific strengths and uses. (you don’t need to do this)

1. Identify four internet sites that are relevant to your field. The sites could be from any of the following categories of information:

Directory of information sources

Research studies

Government documents

Specialized dictionary

Biographical reference

Subject Guide to Literature

Potential Employers and Job search services

News Services

Discussion groups or chat rooms

Professional associations

Encyclopedias

Handbooks

1. Find an article in a scholarly journal that discusses an important issue in your field.   After citing the article, write an abstract that answers the following questions:

·      What is this?

·      What is in it (content, scope)?

·      How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?

·      Are there any particular tips for using the resource effectively?

1. Find an article in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, or other MAJOR newspaper, that, in the last year, discussed a topic of interest to students in YOUR major.  After citing the article, write an abstract that answers the following questions:

·      What is this?

·      What is in it (content, scope)?

·      How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?

·      Are there any particular tips for using the resource effectively?

1. What was the major headline in The New York Times (or other major paper) on the day you were born? This is available through the PSU library database system.  Explain how to access this information (a specific resource on a specific date) using the library website.

Some advice:

Consider using headings to make your research guide easier to navigate.  Your goal here is to write for an audience of fellow students in your major.