Basic Steps

• Choose a topic. Be specific. Narrow the topic, or focus on one small aspect of it.
• Find general, definitive information on your topic, as in a subject specific encyclopedia.
• Locate electronic or printed resources (articles or books) on your topic.

General Research Strategy

• Search the Library's Catalog to locate books on your topic. Tips for finding books
• Consult indexes to find journal or newspaper articles on your topic. Many online indexes offer full text of the articles. Tips for finding journal articles. Tips for finding newspaper articles.
• Consult general encyclopedias, like Encyclopedia Britannica Online, or specialized encyclopedias, like the Encyclopedia of Psychology (Ref BF31 .E5) for more specific information within a field. "How to Find Subject Specific Encyclopedias"
• Find information such as statistical data or maps. Try the links from the library's "Reference Resources" web pages. Tips for finding statistical information.
• Consult biographical sources if you need information on a person's accomplishments or professional activities.

Additional Resources:

• Government Publications can be consulted for nearly any topic, and many are full text on the Web.
• Interlibrary Loan enables you to request materials not owned by the Karrmann Library.

To Find Books, Tapes, DVDs, etc.

Use the Library Catalog to find books, tapes, DVDs, etc. on your topic. Ask at the Reference Desk for assistance and for guides to help you search.

Examples of "Advanced" keyword searches using the Library Catalog:

• bioethics AND "united states"
• engineer? AND handbook
• psychology AND statistic?

Examples of Subject Specific Encyclopedias

• Corsini Encyclopedia of Psychology and Behavioral Science (Ref BF31 .E52 2001)
• Encyclopedia of Adolescence (Ref HQ796 .E58)
• Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Ref B51 .E53)
• Encyclopedia of Religion (Ref BL31 .E46)
• Encyclopedia of Social Work (Ref HV35 .S6)
• Encyclopedia of World Art (Ref N31 .E533)
• McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science and Technology (Ref Q121 .M3)

To Find Journal (Magazine) Articles

Many indexes to journal or magazine articles are available through the library's web pages. Ask a librarian which indexes best cover your topic, their locations, and possible search strategies.

Also use the gateway sites called "Resources by Academic Discipline"

To locate articles in journals which are not available full text online, obtain a full citation to the article using journal indexes or databases. A full citation to a journal article includes title of article, author (if known), title of journal, volume, issue (if given), pages, and date. Printed or microfilmed journals are shelved alphabetically by title on the library's first floor.

To Find Newspaper Articles

Use the indexes listed below to find newspaper articles on a topic.

• Newspaper Source (online)
• LexisNexis Academic (online)
• Proquest Newspapers (online)
• New York Times Index 1851 to date available. Many years of indexing and full text of articles available online; ask a librarian.
• Wall Street Journal Index 1955 to date available. Many years of indexing and full text of articles available online; ask a librarian.

Examples of Statistical Sources

• Statistical Abstract of the United States (Ref Desk HA202)
• Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics (Ref HV 7245 .N37b)
• Injury Facts (Ref HA217 .A4)
• World Almanac and Book of Facts (Ref Desk AY67.N5 W7)

For Assistance

• Ask at the Reference Desk
• Call 342-1668 or Toll free: 1-888-450-4632
• E-mail: Ask a Librarian!