Deciding where to search
Use these questions to help you decide where to search.
Are certain sources required?
Double check the assignment and look for the types of sources the instructor requires, such as peer-reviewed articles, newspaper articles, data, books, or videos. Different sources are found in different places.
What type of source is most likely to have information on your topic?
The research topic you choose will have an impact on the types of resources you will find. Some topics are covered in both books and articles. Current events are more likely to be covered in the news. The peer-review process takes months, and research covering very recent events may not be available until some time after the event occurs.
What broader subject encapsulates your topic?
Think about what broader subject your topic falls under. For example, the topic of “race relations” may be explored by scholars in sociology, law, criminal justice, public policy, psychology or ethical studies.
Different types of resources
| Resource Type | Best Place to Start |
|---|---|
| Books | Use the search on the library homepage and narrow your search results using the Resource Type options to view Books. Note that you may have to click on Show More for the Books filter to appear. |
| Journal Articles | Use the search on the library homepage and narrow your search results using the Resource Type options to view Articles. You can also find a database that relates to your topic by going to the Databases list on the library homepage and choosing Articles from the All Database Types drop-down menu and a particular subject from the All Subjects drop-down menu. |
| Newspaper Articles | Use the search on the library homepage and narrow your search results using the Newspapers search option below the Resource Type options. Alternatively, find a database that specializes in newspaper articles by choosing News from the All Database Types drop-down menu in the library Databases list. |
| Primary Sources | Find a database that specializes in primary sources by choosing Primary Sources from the All Database Types drop-down menu in the library Databases list. You can also use the search on the library homepage and narrow your results using the Resource Type options to view a particular type of material such as Maps or Archival Material/Manuscripts. |
| Video | Use the search on the library homepage and narrow your search results using the Resource Type options to view Videos. You can also find a database that specializes in streaming video by choosing Video from the All Database Types drop-down menu on the library Databases list. View our Streaming Video page for more information on streaming video sources. |