Learn to Research in 5 Easy Steps

In this module you will learn about

1. Library Search, the search box that lets you search all library resources at once
2. Specialized resources
3. Why books are good sources
4. Different types of articles
5. Why videos and audio can be good sources

After watching the video and reading the text, click on this tab on the left side of the page

View the full-screen version of the Library Search video. 

 In some cases, you may find going to a specific resource makes more sense than using Library Search. For example:

• If you are a Nursing student looking specifically for articles from nursing journals, try CINAHL, a collection of professional nursing and allied health articles.
• If you are a Paralegal student, log on to Fastcase to find state and federal codes, statutes, acts, case law, and court rules.
• If you are writing an argumentative paper on a current, controversial topic, try Opposing Viewpoints or SIRS Researcher. Both resources provide issue guides that include full-text articles and book chapters.

An alphabetical list of all resources is available on the Library Database List page.

Books can give you the in-depth analysis of your topic

Books...

• can get you a historical perspecitve on your topic to see how it has evolved over time
• often are written by authors who are experts or have taken the time to do research on a particular subject
• help you understand the complexity your topic

When you find a book...

• you do not have to read the whole book! Instead look at the table of contents in the front to find which chapters will be most helpful to you
• look in the back of the book.  Often there is a list of sources that the author consulted when he or she wrote the book.  You might want to use these sources for your research, too!

Different types of articles give you different flavors of the information you need:

• Scholarly or Peer-Reviewed or Academic Journal articles are good to find results of scientific or academic research.  They are written for scholars and provide in-depth analysis of a very specific area of your topic 

• Trade Journal articles are good for finding articles written for specific professions (police offier, veterinarian . . .etc.). they often analyze new trends, research, tools or techniques important to their area of work.

• Popular Magazine articles are good for summarizing information on a topic for the general public.  They often provide a background, summarize research findings, and provide some analysis of a topic

• Newspaper articles are good for facts and up-to-date information.  They often provide little analysis of a topic.

Why use audio or video sources?

They:

• can be valid sources for research!!
• give you a visual and emotional understanding of your topic
• allow you to hear important talks or lectures at your own convenience 
• can provide authentic, first-hand accounts of events from participants or witnesses in the film
• are great for presentations you must give in front of a class - keep your audience interested and engaged!
• need to be evaluated to determine if they are of good quality