Library Homepage  
 
Boolean Searching
Understanding Call Numbers
Library Of Congress Classification System
Library Collections And Locations
Search Strategies: Conducting Research In The Library
 

STEP 1: Identify a Research Topic

  • Talk to your instructor
  • Talk to a reference librarian

STEP 2: Identify your search terms

  • Express your subject interests in a question
  • Example: What is the history of the Maritime industry in the United States
  • Isolate the keywords/nouns in the question
STEP 3: Do a preliminary literature search
  • Look up the keywords in:
  • Library's Online Catalog
  • Appropriate online database(s)
  • The Web
STEP 4: Begin gathering information
  • Gather background information from general and specialized encyclopedias
  • Use the library's on-line catalog to find books
  • Use specialized bibliographies and periodical indexes to find citations to books and articles
  • Use electronic databases to find full-text articles
  • Use the Internet/World Wide Web to find information from researchers, institutions, and organizations prominent in the field
 

STEP 5: Evaluate the Information

  • Authority
       1. easily identified in the documentation
       2. qualified to write and publish on the subject
       3. affiliated with a credible and reputable institution and/or publisher
  • Coverage:
       1. The topic is covered comprehensively and in-depth
       2. There are reference to credible sources
  • Accuracy:
       1. It is noted in the resource that the information is peer-reviewed, edited, and all facts have been checked
       2. There are no typographical errors in the text
       3. The information is presented coherently
  • Objectivity:
       1. Information is presented without bias
       2. The author, institution, and/or publisher are not using the information to influence the reader and/or serve their        own interests
  • Currency:
       1. Information is up-to-date or very recently updated
       2. The date of the last update is clearly displayed

 
         Evaluation criteria for Web sites:
                  1. How well is the site maintained?
                  2. Does the site tell you when it was last updated?
                  3. If there are links to other sites, do they work?
                  4. Is it easy to move around and locate information on the site?
 

STEP 6: Write your paper by consulting the following for writing tips:

  • MLA Handbook for Writer's of Research Papers CALL NUMBER: Ref LB2369 .G53 1999
  • The Chicago Manual of Style  CALL NUMBER: Ref Z253 .C577
 

STEP 7: Cite your sources:

  • Use conventional bibliographic guidelines in the MLA  and Chicago Manuals per your  instructor
  • Cite electronic resources according to the guidelines on the handout
 

FINAL TIPS

  • Always ask a reference librarian for assistance
  • Collect your bibliographic information as you research
  • Consult with your instructor if you need help organizing your paper
 
For further assistance? Schedule an appointment with a librarian.