Beginning Your Research  Tags: research first tips  

These steps to success are explained on the right.  Mix and match them depending on your assignment.

Consult a Reference Librarian

1. Find Background Information

2. Find Books in Allecat

3. Search Indexes for Journal Articles

4. Find Internet Resources

5. EVALUATE your sources

6. Cite what you use

Consult a Reference Librarian

Librarians can help you save time and find the best resources.  Ask them for help any time.

Reference Hours and Services

The library has many specialized encyclopedias in print and online. Consult these for summaries and backgroun information on your topic.

To find a useful title, browse the reference shelves on the main floor, or try this search which is limited to that collection. Encyclopedias are organized in various ways, so check the INDEX for your subject. Many articles will include lists of especially relevant books as well.

Search the Reference Collection

Use Reference Universe to look for exact encyclopedia articles in Allegheny books.

Search Allecat, the catalog of books, videos, etc. at Allegheny (in paper or online).

Allecat Keyword Search

Keyword searches are the best way to start looking.  When you find an appropriate book, click on one of the "Subjects" on its record to find more relevant titles.

To find Journal Articles, you need to start with an Index.  Allegheny has some indexes which cover a broard range of topics; these are the best for your initial research assignments:  Academic OneFile or WilsonWeb OmniFile.  For indexes on special topics, consult this List. 

When you locate an article you want, the citation (article description) in the index will tell you if the full text is available within the index.

There will also be a link "Find at Allegheny" that will help you find the article if it is available from a different online or print source here.

Books, journal articles, videos and websites all need to be assessed to determine if they are suitable for your needs.  Usually this means whether the information given as fact is actually reliable and whether the opinions come from someone with enough background to carry weight.

The basics of evaluating a source are the same no matter what its format is.

However, the web is both new media and more easily "published", so it is especially hard to both establish that you have a reliable source and be sure that it will continue to be so.  If in doubt, consult a librarian or your faculty.

Don't wait until you start writing to collect citation information.

Collect detailed source information as you go.  It is easier to note this as you research than re-construct it afterwards.

Use the RefWorks tool (and its tutorial) to help collect citation information as you go.  Refworks will also format your citations in the format required by your professor.  It's will take some time to learn, but it will pay dividends on every research project.

Check the Citation Help page to find out about different citation formats your professor might require.