WU GamePlan: Session Two - Tasks & Zotero

Google Tasks is a fairly basic to-do list app—but with lists, subtasks, and mobile notifications, it has everything you need to keep track of the most important things you need to do. And if you already do most of your work within Google Workspace with apps like Google Calendar, Gmail, and Google Docs, the seamless connection makes it effortless.

To earn your ten points for this week, you need to do the following:

1. Download and install Zotero.

2. Create a folder for your Colloquium class and save a citation from Google Scholar on your colloquium topic.

Use the databases listed on this page to find articles.

If an article isn't available in full-text, click the "Find It!" button.  We might have e-access another way or have it in print. 

If we don't have it, order the article through Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

If you're off-campus, you will be prompted for your Willamette username & password.

Using the web in conjunction with library resources and a horizontal searching technique you can find a number of additional resources on your topic.

Zotero is a free, open source, easy-to-use Firefox add-on (and now works with Chrome and Safari) that helps you to collect, manage, cite, and share your research sources. It lives right where you do your work - in your web browser. Designed to be intuitive and unobtrusive (it looks a lot like an iTunes library), Zotero is a powerful and handy tool for any academic.

Zotero works on all three major operating systems: PC, Mac, and Linux.

Zotero Quick Start Guide: The A, B, C's of "Z"

Zotero is a production of the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University and is funded by the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

What is Google Scholar?

Google Scholar is a search engine that can find scholarly material such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reports, theses and dissertations. Google Scholar can be used in addition to Willamette's subscription databases, provide descriptions of coverage and currency; Google Scholar does not provide these details.

What do libraries have to do with Google Scholar?

Google Scholar works closely with libraries to recognize their holdings to provide easily access materials, including those not owned by Willamette.  By incorporating Google Scholar's “Library Links,” the Find it @ Willamette link will display within the results. This link searches our libraries' holdings for print and electronic materials. If Willamette does not own the item, you should see an option to request it through interlibrary loan.

Google Scholar recognizes Willamette's IP address range while on campus; it automatically provide the “library links.”  While off campus, users need to set up the Library Links in the Google Scholar settings: click the three lines (top left corner). Choose settings and then Library Links in the left menu. Type in "Willamette University" in the Library Links search box and then check the box for Find it @ Willamette and then click Save. 

What should I do if I’m asked to pay for the full text?

DO NOT PAY FOR THE ARTICLES!  Look for the Find it @ Willamette If we do not have access, you can still request it at no cost by using Interlibrary Loan. Google Scholar often links to commercial publisher websites which require payment for access. 

Can I trust the resources listed in Google Scholar?

Not necessarily. You still need to evaluate what you find since Google Scholar includes material that may not be appropriate for your research. Pre-edited articles, reports and theses may not be deemed as scholarly. You may also encounter errors in citation information which are automatically generated. And Google does not index all scholarly journals; you may miss important research if you rely entirely on Google Scholar.  

What does “cited by” mean?

After conducting a search, some references include a Cited By link. This tells you what sources have used information from this resource. 

Be aware that there is some debate regarding how citations are counted for both Google Scholar and Scopus. When in doubt, check with your academic department or professor for preferences.

All of the library's resources can be found at the following URL: https://library.willamette.edu.

The library has subject specialist librarians, who have created subject guides.

The librarians are also available for research consultations, and the library offers chat reference help.

Find Books, Movies and More

Academic Search Complete provides full text for more than 8,500 academic, social sciences, humanities, general science, education and multi-cultural journals. It offers indexing and abstracts for nearly 12,500 journals. Over 7,300 of the full text journals are peer reviewed.

First-time users
Complete a short registration before making requests.

Law Library Patrons
Request materials through the Law Library.