A good book for seeing research analysed

I am reading The Cholesterol Myths (Ravnskov, Uffe (2000), The Cholesterol Myths: Exposing the Fallacy That Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease, New Trends Publishing, Washington, DC), and have come across some of the best 'analysis in action" I have read for a long time. It's clear, direct and easy to follow, unlike the publications it is dissecting.

If you are studying a research paper this year, I would advise you to at least skim read the chapter "Myth 2" for an object lesson in critiquing research. Look for it soon on the library display shelves (near the journals) or at WG 120 on the general shelves.

Ravnskov has a website: http://www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm, and there are many interesting links (for and against his views) if you would like to do a web search.

Referencing help

Referencing (especially constructing a list that won't lose marks) can be confusing to anyone. I still have to consult my Assignment Guide frequently - even after years of advising others!

For help, I have put together a Powerpoint presentation that covers the basics of what you need to know, though you will find there are many exceptions and finer points that can't be covered in a beginner's guide. Please feel free to ask me for help whenever you are confused.

There are also many other sites on the Web that will be helpful - check out my del.icio.us links (hint: click on the My Del.icio.us heading and check the Referencing tag) below. Be careful - not many sites give instructions for the Harvard style we use.

Libraries can be fun

This is the new SPCNT library blog - I will be posting tips, tricks and wrinkles for using libraries and discovering information. Comments and suggestions for topics are most welcome.