This course guide provides information to support and supplement what is covered in the RNG 213 library session.

Types of Sources

Below are some guides by other libraries about the different types of sources.

• Types of Sources - What's the Difference (Milner Library, Illinois State University)
  • Primary, Secondary, Tertiary
  • Types of Articles
  • Article Comparison Chart
  • Types of Books
• Know Your Sources - Infographic
• What are technical reports?
• Grey Literature (University of Michigan Library)
• Types of Government Documents (Washington State University Libraries)
• Government Information (NDSU Libraries)

Peer Review and Original Research

See the following library guides for information about peer review and original research:

• Peer Reviewed Publications
• Finding and Identifying Original Research Articles in the Sciences

Example original research article: 

Louhaichi, M., Gammon, M., Ben Salem, F., & Ouled Belgacem, A. (2021). Rangeland biodiversity and climate variability: Supporting the need for flexible grazing management. Sustainability, 13(13), 7124. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137124

Example of peer reviewer comments on an original research article:

Peer review record [Peer review of the article Rangeland biodiversity and climate variability: Supporting the need for flexible grazing management]. (2021). Sustainability, 13(13), 7124. https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/13/7124/review_report

Finding Articles

Range Science Databases

The library provides access to many databases that will have information about plant science research articles. Some of the most recommended databases for Range Science are:

• Web of Science: Core Collection 
• Scopus 
• CAB Direct
• Natural Science Collection
• GreenFILE
• Rangelands Gateway

Help Finding Articles

See some of the library guides related to finding articles.

• Finding and Identifying Original Research Articles in the Sciences
• How to Find Journals
• Scopus and Web of Science Search Tips
• Google Scholar - Setting Your Preferences

Remember to look for the Search @ NDSU button in the library databases. Clicking that button will open a new tab/window that will search the library records to see if the library has access to that article. 

If the library does not have access to the article, you can request it, for free, through Interlibrary Loan. For more information, see our How to Use Interlibrary Loan guide.

Contact the Librarian

Nicole Juve, Agricultural Sciences Librarian

nicole.km.juve@ndsu.edu

In-Class Activities

Activity 1: Warm Up

Go to www.slido.com and enter code #Z751

Activity 2: Identifying Sources

Work in pairs or groups to review each of the following sources. Answer the following questions for each source:

1. What type of source is it?
2. Is it peer reviewed?

Submit responses on this Google Form: https://forms.gle/8mtXgTyMQdrao24H9

The form includes links to each source, but you may also view a list of all the sources in this Google Doc.

Activity 3: Developing Keywords

First we will do an in-class example together.

Next, you will practice developing keywords for your own research topic/question. Below are two templates you can work from, or use whatever method works for you.

• Developing Keywords Template - Type 1 (Word Doc - download before editing)
• Developing Keywords Template - Type 2  (Word Doc - download before editing)

Finally, submit your research question, main concepts, and synonyms and related words on this Google Form.