How Do I Start?

7/2002

1. Form a question asking for the information you are seeking. This will automatically cause you to define your topic and lead you to identify terms you need to use in your search (called search terms).

   NOTE: Do not skip this step -- it will save time and frustration. Do not be concerned with the fact you are not really sure which topic you want to research; the topic will become clearer to you as you become involved in the research process. Always be ready to broaden, narrow, or modify your topic.

2. Jot down where you will search. This is called a search strategy.

   EXAMPLE of a search strategy: reference books for background information, lists of sources

   TOPCAT for books, periodicals, videos

   online databases for full text articles or article citations

   Internet for related information

3. Using the terms you identified in step one, follow your strategy. As you search, add to your list of search terms. Evaluate the sources you find, and use them to refine your search terms.
4. As you interact with the search process, remember the four Cs: Creativity, Citations, Critical Thinking, Controlled Vocabulary. Consult a reference librarian with your questions.

1. Reference books: To find background information, narrow the topic, identify sources. EXAMPLES: general and subject encyclopedias; World Almanac REF AY67.N5.W7; Statistical Abstract of the United States REF HA202; Statesman’s Year Book REF JA51.S7.
2. TOPCAT (access via SWITCH web page topcat.switchinc.org ): To locate books and periodicals within SWITCH consortium. You can request books (no charge) and copies of periodical articles (15 cents per copied page) from consortium members. EXAMPLES: BOOKS: Opposing viewpoints series; Current controversies series; At issue series; Reference shelf series. PERIODICALS: Congressional Digest; Vital Speeches of the Day; CQ Weekly; NYT (1966-); WSJ (1986-); Time (1923-); Newsweek (1949-); USN&WR (1933-).
3. Other libraries (access via SWITCH web page): To locate books and periodicals not found within SWITCH consortium. Search in Milwaukee area libraries and use an InfoPass to check out up to three books at no charge. Or use an online Interlibrary Loan Request Form,  or pick up the paper version of the form in the library; allow 2 weeks. Fee for Interlibrary Loan is $5 per book or 15 cents per copied page for periodical articles.
4. Online databases (access via SWITCH web page): To find citations, abstracts, and full text articles. Of special interest: ProQuest Newspapers; EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, MasterFILE Premier, and MAS Online Plus (EBSCOhost identifies journals held within SWITCH consortium); InfoTrac Expanded Academic ASAP. SEE HANDOUT Online Research Databases.
5. Internet sources. SEE HANDOUT Some Internet Subject Directories. EXAMPLES: lii.org/; library.sau.edu/bestinfo/ (hot topics); scout.cs.wisc.edu/archives/; infomine.ucr.edu/.

Please consult a reference librarian with your questions.