We all know how easy it is to search for information in a browser like Google: type a question and leave it to the computer to sort out the search words. This is very practical for simple searches like finding a picture, or some basic facts about a person or event. We also know that browser searches often bring up results that 

• have little to do with the topic you want
• contain questionable or bad information
• take you to websites that charge for information that you can get for free through the Library.

This guide describes a wide variety of common information sources and ways to use them that will help you find the information you will need for all of your college classes.

Research Tips

A Quick Guide to Doing Research in the Library

Research Means...

• To search or to seek ("rechercher" in French)
• To look again ("re-search")

Build Your Own Web Of Information Links

• Start with a name, a date, or a concept
• Find background information (related names, dates, etc.)
• Use this data to look in other references
• Work outward to related subjects

Five Basic Tips

1. Look for information in different formats (Hint: It isn't all on the Internet)

• Books (Look in the Library Catalog)
• Magazines & Journals (See the LibGuide for Articles - Databases A-Z)
• Videos & Music (DVDs & CDs are listed in the Library Catalog, Click here for streaming sources.)
• Internet
• People & Organizations (Associations, Government offices, etc.)

2. Note where you looked & what you looked for

• Which books or indexes did you look in?
• Did you use both technical search words and ordinary terms?
• How many different ways can you spell Tchaikovsky?

3. Note new clues as you find them

• Synonyms for your subject
• Other people who have written about it
• Related people, places, times, & things

4. Be flexible in setting your topic (until it is set)

• You may find a lot, and have to narrow it
• You may find little, and have to broaden your search
• You may find another, more interesting, topic
• BUT - Once your topic is set, don't get distracted

5. Ask for help anytime

• The Library is a complicated place. You can ask the Reference Librarians and the staff at the Check-Out Desk any information question, from "Where is the pencil sharpener?" to "How do I search for articles in this electronic index?"

Using Information From The World Wide Web

EVALUATE any site that you go to

• Anybody can put anything they want on the web. The information you find may be good, bad, or indifferent.

A Few Basic Questions To Ask

• Who made the web page?
• Is the information reliable?
• Is it up to date?
• Is it biased?

Watch Your Time

• Give yourself lead time

  • To send for interlibrary loans
  • To contact people & organizations

• Deadlines

  • Course assignments
  • Library due dates (especially Interlibrary Loans)