Search by...
- Keyword
- Title
- Author
- Subject
- Publisher
Results should have...
- All of these words
- Any of these words
- This exact phrase
- None of these words
Keyword searches may also use the operators
AND, OR, NOT, “ ”, ( )
AND, OR, NOT, “ ”, ( )
3. Using the Library
Finding books, articles, and other media in libraries—online and in person—is a basic step in building a research paper.
Video
Using the library online
Starting with a general idea or a specific topic, you can search by keyword, author, title, and subject in databases and libraries to find resources.
Example
Locate articles in a database using keywords
Using keyword searches, databases help you locate either the full text of articles or offer information for finding out more.
Quizzes
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1.
Conducting online searches in the library
Know how to use your library’s online tools to find sources for your paper.
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2.
Using effective search methods
Use the most effective search methods within your library’s online system.
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Understanding the sources available
Read, view, and listen to a full range of media as you seek information and create new knowledge during your research project.
Example
Consult general and specialized reference works
Encyclopedias and bibliographies and other general and specialized reference works help you gain an overview of your subject and also locate useful sources.
Quizzes
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1.
Knowing what’s available at your library
Determine what sources are available to you through your library.
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2.
Finding sources in the library
Understand how to find certain types of sources.
Video
Finding books
Books are a rich source of information that you can access online via subscription collections or regional networks of libraries, and offline by simply walking into your campus library.
Example
Find books using the library catalog
Reading the complete entry for a book in your library’s online catalog reveals how and where to find it as well as its relevance to your research project.
Quizzes
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1.
Locating the book you need
Navigate through your library to find the book you need for your research.
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2.
Narrowing your results
Find relevant sources for your research topic by filtering your online search results.
Video
Finding articles
Published weekly, monthly, or quarterly, periodicals contain up-to-date information on fascinating subjects.
Example
Consult general and subject-specific databases
Browsing subject headings and doing advanced searches of the library’s databases can help to focus early stages of research and later to uncover promising articles in your discipline.
Quizzes
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1.
Tracking down useful articles
Recognize which articles are useful for your paper and know where and how to find them.
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2.
Using a library database
Conduct effective searches in an online database by understanding how it functions.
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Knowing what the librarian can help you with
Librarians are the most helpful people you’ll ever meet, and they know where everything is located in the library. Find out what other kinds of help they will gladly give you.
Example
Seek out a librarian's help, online and in person
Reference and general librarians are available to help—often both in person and via the library site—if you know how to locate them.
Quizzes
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1.
Determining how the librarian can help
Know the various ways a librarian can and cannot provide assistance.
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2.
Asking for help
Utilize the tools your library offers to help you do your research.