Internet Resource Guide

Description

Overview and Objectives

Through this assignment, you will become familiar with online communication resources specific to your field of study, including research tools, professional societies, and other internet sites that members of your field find useful. 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 your readers. Additionally, you will need to learn to write effective abstracts.

This assignment asks you to identify and describe key internet resources in your field for an audience of other people in your field (i.e., specialist to specialist communication). Organize and format this information so that others can use those internet resources for research by following your guide.

This project will help you:

• Become familiar with specific and good resources used by professionals in your field.
• Identify possible sources of information for other 202C assignments.
• Make decisions about organization, format, and style as a means of creating a usable document for readers.
• Develop skills with writing abstracts.

Details

Use the information below in composing and revising your internet resource guide.

Resources to Include in the Guide

Use the following list to compile resources for your guide:

1. Identify one index of the periodical literature in your major field (remember, this should be an electronic index). You can access such indexes through the library website (on the homepage under “Research,” go to “Subject Guides”).
2. Identify one professional journal in your field that is available online and evaluate its specific strengths and uses.
3. Identify four 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.