The audience for my guide is anybody interested in environmental science and sustainability. The issue I’m tackling with this guide is the need for easy access to online resources to help with research and decision-making. Environmental scientists frequently require up-to-date information from trustworthy sources to support their work, and this guide seeks to make that process easier. This resource may be used by environmental scientists and researchers when starting new projects, doing literature reviews, or looking for government reports and data on environmental issues. It is also a useful resource for students studying environmental science. The use of context will considerably impact the guide’s content and organization. It will need a clear and concise presentation of resources, with abstracts emphasizing each resource’s relevance and utility for environmental study. In addition, to facilitate browsing, the guide will be divided into sections based on resource categories such as research tools, government publications, and professional associations. Understanding that the guide’s audience comprises environmental science experts and researchers will influence the guide’s content to be educational, research-focused, and authoritative. It will also impact the guide’s language and tone, ensuring that it meets the expectations of an expert audience. To encourage and appeal to my audience, I will emphasize the necessity of having access to credible and current environmental science knowledge. An important goal will be emphasizing how these resources can improve their research, decision-making, and contributions to sustainability efforts. I will also use clear and short language to ensure that the book is understandable by a wide variety of specialists in the industry. The audience is likely already familiar with environmental science concepts, research methodologies, and the importance of government reports and professional associations. The guide can use this prior knowledge to provide more detailed and specialized information. At this time, I don’t have any specific questions because the project criteria are clear. However, I would appreciate any input or advice on the level of detail required for the abstracts and suggestions on how to make the guide user-friendly and accessible to an expert audience.
Resources to Include in the Guide
Use the following list to compile resources for your guide:
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Identify at least one index of the periodical literature in your major field (remember, this should be an electronic index). You can access such indexes through the library website (on the homepage under “Research,” go to “Subject Guides”).
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Identify one professional journal in your field that is available online and evaluate its specific strengths and uses.
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Use the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications to locate a report published by a government agency that relates to your field. Describe the Catalog and its use. Locate the report, provide the bibliographic data, and use it as an example of what the catalog can identify. Include a 1-2 sentence description of the report.
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Identify four internet sites that are relevant to your field. Choose from the following categories of information (or propose other relevant categories of information to me):
- Directory of information sources/portals
- Potential employers and job search services
- Sample reports/documents/research studies
- News services
- Government documents
- Discussion groups, chat rooms
- Patents and intellectual property
- Information on professional associations
- Specialized dictionary
- Encyclopedia
- Biographical reference
- Handbook
- Subject guide to the literature
- Bibliography
Information to Include about the Resources
For each resource that you include, provide identifying information (title, URL, etc.), and describe the resource in an abstract so that readers will understand its general function and its specific scope. (For example, your paragraph on the index should tell both the purpose of the index and the range and dates of periodicals covered.)
In writing abstracts, assume readers will ask the following questions about the resource:
- What is it?
- What is in it (content, scope)?
- How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?
- What tips can help someone in my field use the resource efficiently?
Information to Include about the Resources
For each resource that you include, provide identifying information (title, URL, etc.), and describe the resource in an abstract so that readers will understand its general function and its specific scope. (For example, your paragraph on the index should tell both the purpose of the index and the range and dates of periodicals covered.)
In writing abstracts, assume readers will ask the following questions about the resource:
- What is it?
- What is in it (content, scope)?
- How is the information relevant and useful for someone in my field?
- What tips can help someone in my field use the resource efficiently?
Organizing the Guide
Provide information about your guide and its use in an introduction. (In technical communication, an introduction is often called front matter.) Consider introducing each section of the guide if readers will not understand why and how to use a type of resource. Be sure to cover the following areas in your front matter (you can use them as headings if you want to):
- Cover/Title Page
- Front Matter
- Table of Contents (to at least two levels)
- What’s in the Guide (contents/scope)
- Who the Guide is for (audience/purpose)
- What the Guide assumes users know
- How the Guide is organized for use
- Tips for using the Guide
Evaluation Criteria
Your project will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Content. The guide is complete (it includes all the required information), and the sources identified are current and significant.
- Format and Organization. Readers will be able to find the information they need. Related materials are grouped. The guide is “usable.”
- Style. Abstracts give specific information in efficient sentences.
- Audience Adaptation. The guide offers explanatory material or instructions where necessary to help the designated audience conduct research through the Internet.
- Mechanics. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are correct.