Ground Rules to follow during the search process:

• Choose a topic, if one is not assigned.
• Always have a floppy disk to record your information (saves keystrokes).
• Keep a log so nothing has to be done twice.
• (Print screens), or copy bibliographical details (cut & paste from the source, & include the date source is accessed).
• Record all keywords searched.
• Record all reference works searched.

Things to keep in mind when examining reference sources:

• What is the title of the source?
• Who is the authority or author?
• What is the publication date?
• Is the source part of a series?
• What kinds of information are given?
• How can this source help you with your research?
• Does the source contain "help pages" table of contents? Index? Guide?
• If your instructor does not assign a topic, how would you decide?

Step 1:    Select and read from a general encyclopedia a background article about the topic. Always start with the index to locate the correct volume in which the article (s) will be found. Often bibliographies are included at the end of the longer essays in general encyclopedias; evaluate these to see if any appear promising for the focus of your research.

Step 2:    You may need to locate a specialized encyclopedia for more focused background than given in the general encyclopedia. To identify these, do a keyword search in the on-line catalog, LibraryWorld. Combine the name of your discipline, sub-discipline or broad topic and the word, encyclopedia or dictionary. If you are not successful, ask for assistance from a member of library staff. Ex: psychology encyclopedia, medical encyclopedia.

Step 3:    Compile a list of keywords which you discovered now that you have read a couple of summary articles in encyclopedias. List as many as you can think of and consider revising them as you learn more about the topic.

Step 4:    Search EBSCOhost using your keywords. Limit your search by using the last two years’ dates. Remember to cut and paste your source information to a word document (name it something that will make sense to you later, and save to the A: drive).

Step 5:    Check out an online resource such as: http://about.com or http://northernlight.com and use keywords. (Cut and paste here too). 
How is what you find here different from what you found in EBSCOhost? 

How would you know what is valid?

Now, what do you suppose are the next steps? Name at least three more steps which would have to be done in order to turn out a successful paper.

1.

2.

3.

Return to Library Research Page

Top  

Updated 24 June, 2008