Research Strategies

 

1.  Define your topic

 

      A. Considerations while discovering your topic:

·        Prior understanding or interest in a topic

·        Manageability:  Length and due date of assignment

·        Beware of topics that may be too: Recent, regional, emotional, complex, broad or narrow

 

      B. Sources to help you discover the aspects of the topic you may want to cover

·        Library of Congress Subject Headings (Behind the Reference Desk): may suggest different words to describe your topic

·        Reference books or specific subject encyclopedias (to locate: see below)

 

2.  Gathering information

     

      A. Reference sources

·        To locate reference sources: Browse the reference collection or search the catalog and limit to Ref tables

 

E 99 – Indian Tribes and Cultures

E 184 – Racial and Ethnic cultures

GR – Folklore

            GT – Manners and Customs

HV – Family, Women, Gays, Disabled person, Young Adults

M – Music

N – Art

PN to PS – Literature

 

·        Can provide background information, quick facts or statistical information

 

B. Books (Stacks)

·        To locate books: use the online catalog to find LC call numbers

·        Books can provide an overview on the topic

·        Check the index or table of contents to find chapters or sections that pertain more specifically to your topic

 

C. Articles in periodicals (magazines, scholarly journals and newspapers)

·        To locate articles: use an online database or print index (Ebscohost or InfoTrac)

1.      If the article is available full text, you may print, download or email the article to yourself.

2.      If the article is not available full text, it may be available in a print format at the library (this includes microfilm).  Check the library catalog to see if Grossmont carries that particular periodical.

3.      If the article is not full text and is not owned by Grossmont, you may order the article from another library at the Reference Desk.  

·        Articles are generally more current and provide specific, in depth information on a topic  

 

 

            D. Internet

·        To locate websites: use a search engine: yahoo.com, google.com, etc.

·        Websites can be especially good for current opinions and different viewpoints

·        Websites must be evaluated very carefully because they may not be edited or published by a credible source

 

            E.  Videos, CD Roms, pamphlets, etc.

·        To locate additional types of information, try the library catalog or ask a librarian

 

3.  Additional tips for library research 

 

·        Ask a librarian for help!

 

·        Look for different types of information:  books, articles, websites, multimedia, etc.

 

·        Carefully evaluate the information: relevancy, currency, authority, bias