First Year Students will understand how to...

• navigate the library's website

• wield reference sources to gain an overview of a topic, refine a broad topic, and identify important keywords and synonyms related to that topic

• use the library catalog to discover books and media on their research topic

• identify and employ appropriate subject-specific academic databases and other tools for researching their topic

• construct effective database searches using Boolean logic, nesting, truncation, and field searching

• locate the full text of books, articles, and other discovered sources based on the citation information

• appreciate the distinct characteristics and advantages of various publication types and how information flows through them chronologically

• evaluate resources for authority, accuracy, timeliness, relevance, and purpose

• utilize one strong, highly relevant source to find other good sources by following subject headings, author histories, and citation trails

• begin thinking about and discussing larger social justice issues surrounding information

• seek research help from librarians

This guide is intended to help you locate sources needed for your Compare and Contrast Research Paper as well as your Intervention Paper.  The tabs across the top of the page will help you explore the various types of sources.  If you need help with your research, contact me using the information to the right.  Enjoy!  --Mary