Library

As you work on your paper, remember that you can always ask one of the librarians for help! Feel free to email either Mrs. Mellin (fmellin[at]pikeschool.org) or Mrs. Griset (lgriset[at]pikeschool.org).

Click here for a pdf copy of The Nuts and Bolts: Bibliography and Parenthetical Notation.

Click here for a pdf copy of a sample Bibliography.

• What questions do you have about this topic?

• A good thesis states what you believe and what you plan to prove.
  
• You can use What is a Thesis? to help construct a strong thesis statement.
  
• Please see your teacher to get your thesis approved.

The World Book Encyclopedia	Print
	Online Subscription (To use from home, click here. You will need to use your Massachusetts public library card number as a password.)
	Free Web ** Use with caution -  information can be inaccurate, so verify with other sources.**

Use online catalogs to find books in local libraries.

	The Pike School Library
	Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (Andover, Lawrence and other libraries in the Merrimack Valley)
	North of Boston Library Exchange (Reading, Lynnfield, Wakefield and other libraries north of Boston)

Search Pike's online subscription databases for biographies or magazine and journal articles written by experts. Below are three excellent choices. (To use them from home, click here. You will need to use your Massachusetts public library card number as a password.)

	Includes biographies, pictures, and links to relevant web sites.
	Contains articles from magazines and journals. Full text articles are available from many sources.
	Find articles from magazines and newspapers as well as transcripts from radio and TV.

Find web sites.

• Be sure to examine every web site critically. Look at the quality of the information, the background of the author, and any potential bias.

• Primary sources are accounts and records of events created at the time the events happened.
  
• They can include newspaper articles, photographs, speeches, letters, and memoirs.

• Number your notes to correspond with your sources.
• Record information accurately.
  
• Use your own words – do not copy directly from the text.
• If using a direct quote or citing a little-known fact, write down the page number.
  
• Remember - using someone else’s words without giving credit is plagiarism.    

• Proofread all parts of your project, including your bibliography.
  
• Double check the project instructions.
• Use the assessment guide to make certain you’ve completed all parts of the project.

Due Dates:    When each step of the project is due.

• January 8th, Friday: Thesis statement approved; submit names of four different sources, from at least two of the categories listed below. 

• January 13th, Wednesday: Submit written research notes, source information for at least four sources, and very rough outline with thesis statement. 

• January 21st, Thursday: Submit written research notes, source information for at least six sources, and an improved outline with thesis statement.

• February 4th, Thursday: Rough draft due (with parenthetical notations), with final outline, rough outline, and written research notes.  A rough bibliography is optional.

• February 18th, Thursday: Final paper due, with cover page, bibliography, final outline and all other materials (written research notes, rough, revised, and final outlines, and rough drafts). Please remember to return all library books.
  

 Sources:    A minimum of seven items in the bibliography

• reference source (for example - print or online encyclopedia)
• full-length book other than a reference book
• article from a magazine, newspaper, pamphlet (can be online)

Length:    1,200-1,500 words (5-6 typewritten pages)

General Information:

• Final report must be double spaced and typewritten (exceptions only by prior arrangement); use size 12 font.
• Pages must be in a binder or stapled together through the left margin.
• Report must have a minimum of three parenthetical notations.

Other Important Information:

• Put all materials in a 10”x13” envelope with your name on the outside.
  
• Any material irrelevant to the assignment should be removed from the envelope.
• Do not discard any work done during the process of preparing your project.   
• You can be the only typist for your paper; no else is allowed on the keyboard.

Format:    Your paper should be stapled together in the following order:            

In addition to the above materials, you will also submit the following on Thursday, February 18th:

• All your notes:

• Your rough draft

• The rough draft evaluation sheet

• All your rough outlines