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.

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.

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Journal Articles

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 databases. The databases 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).

General Databases

• Academic Search Premier (ASU)
• Expanded Academic ASAP (ASU)
• InfoTrac OneFile (ASU)
• JSTOR (ASU)
• Oxford Journals (ASU)

Business Databases

• ABI/Inform Complete (ASU)
• Business Source Elite (ASU)
• Lexis-Nexis' Academic Universe (ASU) (click on business)
• Other Business Databases

Legal Databases

• Lexis-Nexis' Academic Universe (ASU) (click on legal research)
• Westlaw Campus (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 the following sources:

• Serials Solutions (ASU) - to determine if the article is available in another online database.
• HORNetCat - lists journals to which the Library subscribes. These are housed in the Serials Department on the third floor.
• Interlibrary Loan - order those articles not available in the Library or via a full-text database.

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Government Information

Consult the following sources for information on employment in the U.S. and Alabama governments. You'll also find information on legislation relating to employment.

Federal Government Information

• United States Government Manual
  Main Reference Desk: JK 421 .A3
  online
• Office of Personnel Management
• Thomas: Legislative Information on the Internet
• Congressional Record
  Main Reference: J 11 .R5
• Congressional Quarterly Almanac
  Main Reference: JK 1 .C66
• Major Acts of Congress
  Main Reference: KF 154 .M35 2004
• GPO Monthly Catalog (ASU) (click on GPO in the FirstSearch Advanced Search box)
• GPO Access

Alabama Government Information

• Alabama Government
• Alabama Government: Employment

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

Finding Books

• HORNetCat (books in the University Library)
• netLibrary (ASU) (full-text books online)
• WorldCat (ASU) (books in other libraries)

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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.

Finding Information on the Web

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

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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 Barbara Hightower (bhightower@alasu.edu) or call her at (334) 229-6839 with your comments and suggestions.

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