Where are some good places to start, especially if you don't know anything (or very little) about your topic?
Reference works are good sources for background information, quick facts, overview of subject, and fine tuning your topic. The library subscribes to a number of eReference sources which include encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks. Consider searching both general reference works and subject specific reference works like:
You can use the Library's General Search to look for reference materials. Try searching using a word like dictionary, encyclopedia, or handbook, plus a word or two that describes your topic (i.e, searching Civil War Encylopedia).
Review the bibliographies included in reference sources and consider them as new sources. Keep track of any questions that come to mind as you do your initial readings.
If you're having trouble finding a good place to get started, a librarian can help you out!
How do I start searching?
You might find it useful to jot down a few words that describe your initial project, and then search using those words. Here's a helpful hint: Databases don't understand questions! (They're just not as smart as you are!) In most cases when you're using a library database, the more words you use, the fewer sources you'll find. Instead of "What are the problems with student debt?" you'll need to search something like "student debt" to find articles about that topic.
Just like any other source, be sure to evaluate the content!
Access to various ebooks and reference works in multiple disciplines.
eReference books
which includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks and other reference sources.
Includes subject dictionaries and reference works in various subjects including biology, computing, economics, history, law, literature, medicine, performing arts, politics, and science.
Need to find background information about your topic? Not sure where to start?
Find Articles
Contains articles from a lot of different databases. This is a good place to search for almost any class!
A database with articles in a variety of subjects.
Find Reports on Issues & Topics
A great place to start for background information on current hot topics.
Summarizes current issues and controversies in political, economic, social and scientific topics.
A thorough collection of topics from the 'New York Times.' Each topic includes news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published.
Non-partisan, crowd-sourced technology shows all sides so you can decide.
ProCon.org is a non-profit public charity. They research controversial and important issues, and present them in a balanced, comprehensive, straightforward, and primarily pro-con format.
Nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.
Get some practice choosing and using a library database - pretty soon you'll be searching like a pro!
"Talk it over. Tell your roommate or some other willing victim what you're working on. Sometimes just explaining the idea can help you clarfiy for yourself what direction seems most interesting." - The Reference Librarians at Gustavus Adoplphus College
Explain to your "willing victim:" This idea is interesting/important/disturbing because...
They'll probably have some new questions for you to consider!