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Finding CS Research Information 

At UNB Libraries...

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• Book study spaces (extended hours!)
• Use our FabLab to 3D print, use Cricut Machines and more!
• Borrow tools, technology & more
• Research Consults (with yours truly)
• If you're unsure if I can help, just ask!

CASE STUDY

How do I actually do this?

Pre-university, I had never had to do research! So when I got my first research assignment, I wrote my outline, then hopped onto Google Scholar to find papers that supported what I had to say. I had literally a million results to look through, but just picked the first few, and wrote a... not great paper. I didn't really figure out how to do this until graduate school, but want to save you from 4 years of this!

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FIG. 1 — My first day of University!

Purpose of Research?

01

02

03

04

05

Learn about topics outside the textbook

Learn about most recent developments

Learn from experts

Pull together information to make an argument

Challenge your understanding

Three rules for better search

I.

II.

III.

Stay organized

Keep track of which article says what - so you aren't frantically reviewing an hour before the submission deadline

Know Where to Look

While Google Scholar (or AI tools) are easy to use, they wouldn't necessarily be my first choice (we'll talk about why in a second)

Understand the Basics of Keyword Search

You, as CS students, actually already understand this! Bibliographic databases operate using Boolean logic

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Why not GS/AI?

Using Bibliographic Databases Allows for

I.

II.

III.

Evaluating your Research Question

When using a a) search engine or b) AI tool you will typically receive a) too many results to review or b) a set number of results based on your request/your subscription level

Finding Unbiased Information

Recommendation algorithms, while helpful with Spotify/Netflix, can be problematic when trying to capture unbiased research, you may just be fed information that confirms your bias/stance

Curation

AI tools depend on web scraping, or pulling in vast swaths of information. Databases have specific inclusion criteria, filtering out some of the slop.

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Using Bibliographic Databases Allows for

I.

Evaluating your Research Question

When using a a) search engine or b) AI tool you will typically receive a) too many results to review or b) a set number of results based on your request/your subscription level

{{#}} / {{total}}

Using Bibliographic Databases Allows for

II.

Finding Unbiased Information

Recommendation algorithms, while helpful with Spotify/Netflix, can be problematic when trying to capture unbiased research, you may just be fed information that confirms your bias/stance

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[a]

Using Bibliographic Databases Allows for

III.

Curation

AI tools depend on web scraping, or pulling in vast swaths of information. Databases have specific inclusion criteria, filtering out some of the slop.

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Quick Pause:

vs

Scholarly or Academic

Peer-reviewed

Where do I find Databases?

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Computer Science Guide

Databases Operate using Boolean Logic

The old signage tried to say everything. We kept only what a visitor needs in three seconds — where am I, where next — and let one bold shape per floor do the rest.

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Databases Operate using Boolean Logic

The old signage tried to say everything. We kept only what a visitor needs in three seconds — where am I, where next — and let one bold shape per floor do the rest.

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ACM Demo

Let's go back to the example on music and recommendation algorithms

We're going to keep it really broad to start

ACM Trial

Now, I want you to look for a specific article

Your advisor said they attended a fascinating poster session in Toronto on Smart Home Security

Use metadata options in Advanced Search and/or filters to find the correct poster

vs

Disciplinary 

Multidisciplinary

Staying Organized

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Zotero @ UNB Libraries

Thank
you.