The purpose of this course research guide is to acquaint you with some of the resources in the University Library and on the World Wide Web useful for your research. Should you have questions, stop by the Reference Desk on the first floor. You may also call the Reference Desk at (334) 229-4110 during the hours the Library is open.

Reference Sources

Sources in the Library's Reference Collection and similar sources online can help you find brief factual information quickly. Be sure to browse the shelves near the sources listed below to find others.

• Encyclopedia of Education
  Main Reference: LB 15 .E47 2003
• Standards and Schooling in the United States: An Encyclopedia
  Main Reference: LB 2822.82 .S82 2001
• Educational Media and Technology Yearbook
  Main Reference: LB 1028.3 .E38
• Tests in Print VI: an Index to Tests, Test Reviews, and the Literature on Specific Tests                                                                                                                                                                         Main Reference: Z 5814 .E9 T47 2002

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The best method for finding journal articles is to use the Library's online databases. For additional information on those listed below and for others, explore our list of education databases. They are easily accessible off campus by clicking on the database name and typing in the information requested. If you need additional assistance with accessing the databases, contact Cedric Davis (334 229-6998) or Randy Curtis (334 229-5604).

Databases

• Academic Search Premier (ASU)
• ERIC (ASU)
• InfoTrac OneFile
• Professional Collection (ASU)
• Professional Development Collection (ASU)
• Wilson Education Full-Text (ASU)

Not all of our databases provide access to the entire text of articles. If the text of an article is not available in a database, consult:

• E-Jounal Finder - to determine if the article is available in another online database.
  E- Journal Finder does not include Wilson Education Full Text, so be sure to check this database separately.
• HORNetCat - lists journals to which the Library subscribes. Journals are housed in the Serials Department on the third floor.
• Interlibrary Loan - to request articles not available in the Library or via a full-text database.

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ERIC Documents

The ERIC Document collection includes a variety of items such as curriculum materials, reports, lesson plans, conference papers, and much more pertaining to education. These are arranged by clearinghouses, which specialize in specific areas of education. ERIC documents are located on the Library's third floor in the ERIC microfiche cabinets. Many ERIC documents dating from 1993 to the present are full text through the EDRS database.

• EDRS: ERIC Document Reproduction Service (ASU)
• ERIC (ASU)

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Those books not located in the Library can be requested through Interlibrary Loan.

Books

• HORNetCat
• netLibrary (ASU) - provides access to the Library's electronic book collection

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Government Information

Federal and state governments publish a plethora of information on many education-related topics.

Federal Government Information for the Classroom

• Department of Energy
  • Teachers & Students
• Environmental Protection Agency
  • Environmental Kids Club
• National Aeronautics & Space Administration
  • For Kids
  • For Students
  • For Educators
• National Archives
  • Digital Classroom
  • ARC: Archival Research Catalog
• National Science Foundation
  • Specialized Info for Students K-12 and Undergrads
• Smithsonian Institution
  • Students: A Place for Kids to Explore, Discover, & Learn
  • Educators: Prepare, Plan, Teach

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World Wide Web

The World Wide Web is an outstanding but often bewildering source of information. Not everything you find will be authoritative, accurate, and valid. Try searching one of these databases to find more reliable Web sites.

• INFOMINE Scholarly Internet Resource Collections
• Librarians' Index to the Internet
• Scout Report Archives

Additional sources are available using the Education Resources Study Guide.  Study Guides provide access to additional databases, journals, course guides, and web sites related to a particular subject.

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You can use the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association to cite your sources. A copy is available at the Reference Desk on the first floor of the Library. Additional assistance with citing electronic publications is available from:

• APA Style.org- online site of the American Psychological Association
• Citation Machine- an interactive Web tool designed to assist you with modeling cited information in the proper format.
• APA Reference Style: Tightening Up Your Citations- outlines citation guidelines for various sources and documents
• APA Sample for a Bibliography- a sample bibliography
  

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Your Comments

Please take a few minutes to let us know what you think about this guide. Has it helped with your research? Do you have any suggestions for improving the guide? You may e-mail Natasha Jenkins ( njenkins@alasu.edu ) or call her at (334) 229-1078 with your comments and suggestions.

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