Library Research

1
Library Research

• Planning a Strategy

2
Research Strategy

• Make sure you understand the assignment
• Know what is expected of you
• How many what types of sources are needed
• Start Early
• Allow time to explore your topic
• Time for Interlibrary Loan if necessary

3
Research Strategy

• Select a Topic
• Choose one of interest
• Make sure the library can support your topic
• Get an overview of your topic
• Encyclopedias, subject encyclopedias
• Other reference sources
• Write down keywords to use in searching

4
Research Strategy

• Look for books on your topic
• Library Catalog
• If you find a lot your topic is too broad
• Other library catalogs MOBIUS or WorldCat

5
Research Strategy

• Evaluate the books you want to use
• Book Reviews
• Find information about the author

6
Research Strategy

• Look for periodical articles
• FirstSearch databases
• LexisNexis
• EBSCOhost
• Continue evaluating your sources
• Authority, accuracy, objectivity
• Coverage, currency

7
Research Strategy

• As you find sources, use their bibliographies
• Remember to write down the citation information
  as you go along

8
Research Strategy

• Look for special types of information to spice
  things up
• statistics
• quotations

9
Research Strategy

• Search the Web
• hazardous waste disposal
• hazardous waste disposal
• Limiting to Federal Government Sites
• Evaluate the Web sites
• Domain
• Sponsoring agency/author
• Purpose clearly stated

10
Research Strategy

• Primary Sources
• In the Library Catalog
• ssources
• Letters, narratives, diaries etc
• LexisNexis
• Legal Research for court cases
• Congressional Universe for bills and hearings

11
Research Strategy

• Ask at the Reference Desk for help to see if you
  have overlooked anything