| Reference Sources | Articles | Books | World Wide Web | Citing Your Sources | Your Comments |
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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 doing research on your paper topic. 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.
Sources in the Library's Reference Collection and similar sources online are a great place to start your research. They'll provide background information on your topic and can help you find brief factual information quickly. As you explore these sources, write down words that describe your topic. You'll be able to use these later when you search for articles and books. Also write down the names of people and organizations related to your topic. Subject Encyclopedias Subject encyclopedias focus on specific subject areas. Below are a few examples of these encyclopedias. Ask at the Main Reference Desk on the first floor for assistance with finding a subject encyclopedia that is appropriate for your paper topic.
CQ Researcher Each CQ Researcher (ASU) report focuses on a single topic related to social, economic, political, health, or environmental issues. They provide a chronological overview and detail recent developments and opposing viewpoints. Each includes a bibliography that can lead you to other sources of information on your topic.
Magazine, Journal, & Newspaper Articles The best method for finding magazine, journal, and newspaper articles is to use one of the Library's online article databases. These are now easily accessible in the residence halls and 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). Try searching in these databases for your articles.
While you'll find the text of many articles in these databases, some articles are not full text. If the text of an article is not available in the database you are searching, first check for the magazine, journal, or newspaper title in:
If you don't find it listed in Serials Solutions, check HORNetCat, the Library's online catalog. Type in the title of the magazine, journal, or newspaper title and click on Journal Title in the Find Results in box.
Because of their length, books provide a more in-depth look at topics than articles do.
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 to find more reliable Web sites.
A copy of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is available at the Main Reference Desk on the first floor of the Library. You can also use Citation Machine an interactive Web tool designed to assist you with modeling cited information in the proper format.
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 Marsha Taylor (mvtaylor@alasu.edu) or call her at (334) 229-6839 with your comments and suggestions.
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Course Research Guides | Information Literacy Program
Alabama State University | University Library & Learning Resources Center