Library Research Skills Quiz
Play this Library research skills test and gauge yourself on library skill researcher parameters. Library research is the most complex process of collecting and researching information for writing an article or preparing a project. This pretest quiz is to find out the level of your information literacy skills. Please answer the following questions to the best of your ability. So, let's try out the quiz. If you like the quiz, share it with your friends. All the best!
- 1.
A call Number is:
- A.
Shelf address for a book or audiovisual material.
- B.
The phone number for the library.
- C.
The number you use to use computers.
- D.
I don’t know.
Correct Answer
A. Shelf address for a book or audiovisual material.Explanation
The correct answer is "Shelf address for a book or audiovisual material." This is because a call number is a unique identifier assigned to a book or audiovisual material in a library. It helps in locating and organizing the items on the library shelves. The call number typically includes a combination of letters and numbers that represent the specific location of the item within the library's collection.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Non-fiction books are arranged on the library shelves.
- A.
By title
- B.
By publisher
- C.
By subject
- D.
By author’s first name
Correct Answer
C. By subjectExplanation
Non-fiction books are typically arranged on library shelves by subject in order to facilitate easy browsing and retrieval for library patrons. Organizing books by subject allows readers to easily locate books on specific topics of interest and helps maintain a logical order within the library's collection. This arrangement system also makes it easier for librarians to classify and catalog books based on their content, ensuring efficient management of the library's resources.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Journals differ from magazines in that
- A.
Journals are published periodically.
- B.
Journals are important sources of academic research.
- C.
Journals are available by subscription.
- D.
Journals have volume numbers.
Correct Answer
B. Journals are important sources of academic research.Explanation
Journals are different from magazines because they serve as important sources of academic research. Unlike magazines, which often focus on entertainment or general interest topics, journals are specifically designed to publish scholarly articles and research findings. They provide in-depth analysis and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. Journals are highly regarded within academic communities and are often peer-reviewed to ensure the quality and accuracy of the research they publish. Subscriptions to journals are commonly obtained by individuals or institutions seeking access to the latest academic research in their respective disciplines. Additionally, journals typically have volume numbers to organize and categorize their content over time.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Scholarly articles are most often published in:
- A.
Magazines
- B.
Journals
Correct Answer
B. JournalsExplanation
Scholarly articles are most often published in journals because journals are specifically designed to publish academic research and provide a platform for scholars to share their findings with the academic community. Journals undergo a rigorous peer-review process, ensuring the quality and validity of the research published. On the other hand, magazines typically focus on popular topics and are not as academically rigorous or peer-reviewed as journals. Therefore, scholarly articles are more commonly found in journals rather than magazines.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is the most effective first step when starting research in a library?
- A.
Skimming through random books on your topic
- B.
Searching for keywords in the library's catalog or database
- C.
Browsing the shelves in the general section
- D.
Checking out books from the reserve section
Correct Answer
B. Searching for keywords in the library's catalog or databaseExplanation
The most effective first step in library research is to begin by searching for relevant keywords in the library’s catalog or online databases (option B). This helps you quickly identify books, articles, and other materials that are directly related to your topic. Starting with a keyword search saves time and allows for more focused research. Skimming random books (option A) or browsing general sections (option C) is not as efficient. Checking out books from the reserve section (option D) may be helpful later, but only after you've identified which resources you need.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following statements is true?
- A.
Subject searches produce better (more related) records.
- B.
They usually produce the same lists of records.
- C.
They usually produce the same lists of records.
- D.
I don't know.
Correct Answer
A. Subject searches produce better (more related) records.Explanation
Subject searches produce better (more related) records because when conducting a subject search, the focus is on retrieving information specifically related to a particular topic. This allows for more targeted and relevant results compared to other types of searches. By using subject-specific keywords and terms, the search engine or database can better match the user's query with records that are directly related to the subject of interest. This increases the likelihood of finding records that are more closely aligned with the user's information needs.Rate this question:
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- 7.
A primary source is
- A.
An original document such as a diary, letter, etc.
- B.
The first book or journal article that is written on a topic.
- C.
An article or book that extensively analyzes a topic.
- D.
A collection of critical essays.
Correct Answer
A. An original document such as a diary, letter, etc.Explanation
A primary source refers to an original document, such as a diary or letter, that provides firsthand information or evidence about a particular topic or event. These sources are created by individuals who directly witnessed or experienced the subject matter, making them valuable for historical research and analysis. Primary sources offer a direct and unfiltered perspective, allowing researchers to gain insights into the thoughts, experiences, and emotions of the people involved. They serve as firsthand accounts and provide a foundation for further interpretation and analysis by historians and scholars.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Most library databases and Internet search engines allow you to search in both basic and advanced modes. The advanced mode allows you to perform more complex searches. One such complex search methodology is referred to as Boolean searching. Boolean searching allows you to add the words (known as operators) AND, OR, and NOT if you need to find all the articles about cars. Which search will get you more articles?
- A.
Cars AND automobiles
- B.
Cars OR automobiles
Correct Answer
B. Cars OR automobilesExplanation
The search "cars OR automobiles" will get you more articles. This is because the OR operator retrieves articles that contain either the word "cars" or the word "automobiles" or both. On the other hand, the search "cars AND automobiles" will only retrieve articles that contain both the words "cars" and "automobiles". Since the OR operator allows for more flexibility in the search, it will retrieve a larger number of articles.Rate this question:
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- 9.
If you need to narrow your research topic. Which search will help you narrow your topic?
- A.
Teaching AND reading
- B.
Teaching OR reading
Correct Answer
A. Teaching AND readingExplanation
The search "teaching AND reading" will help narrow the research topic because it combines the keywords "teaching" and "reading" using the Boolean operator "AND". This means that the search results will only include resources that contain both of these keywords, which will help to focus the research on the specific intersection of teaching and reading.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following statements is true about Wikipedia? Check all apply.
- A.
Because anyone can edit articles in Wikipedia, the information is always up-to-date, accurate, and reliable.
- B.
Wikipedia is a good place to start when you want to find general information about a topic.
- C.
Wikipedia should not be used without verifying the information in reliable sources such as primary research articles, review articles, field guides, websites, and databanks that are produced by recognized research organizations.
- D.
All of the above
- E.
None of the above
Correct Answer(s)
B. Wikipedia is a good place to start when you want to find general information about a topic.
C. Wikipedia should not be used without verifying the information in reliable sources such as primary research articles, review articles, field guides, websites, and databanks that are produced by recognized research organizations.Explanation
The correct answer is that Wikipedia is a good place to start when you want to find general information about a topic, and it should not be used without verifying the information in reliable sources such as primary research articles, review articles, field guides, websites, and databanks that are produced by recognized research organizations. This means that while Wikipedia can provide a general overview of a topic, it is important to fact-check and verify the information using more reliable and authoritative sources.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A research database is superior to a search engine because (check all apply)
- A.
The authority and sources have gone through some evaluation processes.
- B.
It is organized by both human and electronic brain power.
- C.
The text comes from verifiable and reputable sources.
Correct Answer(s)
A. The authority and sources have gone through some evaluation processes.
B. It is organized by both human and electronic brain power.
C. The text comes from verifiable and reputable sources.Explanation
A research database is superior to a search engine because it includes sources that have undergone evaluation processes, ensuring their authority. Additionally, the organization of a research database is a combination of human and electronic efforts, making it more reliable. Lastly, a research database includes text from verifiable and reputable sources, further enhancing its credibility. Therefore, all of the above reasons make a research database superior to a search engine.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Sep 24, 2024Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Sep 04, 2008Quiz Created by
Ahuang
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