1. Stevens Library’s Guide to Research

2. beyond personal knowledge
Research…
…requires you to go
beyond personal knowledge

3. Resources in the Library
Books
Periodicals
Magazines
Journals
Newspapers
Databases

4. Selecting Your Topic Indexes list aspects of a topic under that topic.
Get ideas –
Indexes list aspects of a topic under that topic.
- Index to an encyclopedia
- LC Subject Headings
Select a Topic That Interests YOU!!

5. Get an Overview of the Topic
A. Use
1. Dictionaries
2. Encyclopedias
3. Internet/ Databases
B. Pay attention to:
1. key words*
2. dates, etc.*
*They are clues for further research

6. Search Strategy NARROWING YOUR SEARCH Add more search terms
Limit search by
Full text
Date
Format
 One period of person’s life
One phase of a general topic
One campaign
Or by geographical area or time period
Format – Books, or Journal Articles, Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

7. Search Strategy EXPANDING YOUR SEARCH Search different databases
Think of synonyms for search terms
Explore different facets of a concept

8. IMPORTANT!! START YOUR BIBLIOGRAPHY!!
The bibliography contains all the books and materials you have used to get information. If you quote from any of these items, they will be used as endnotes, footnotes or in your work cited page.
Get the:
1. Author
2. Title
3. Publisher
4. Place of Publication
5. Date of Publication (edition, or volume)
6. Page number(s)
7. Web address if necessary

9. Why do I need a bibliography?
So someone else could find the same information.
To establish the credibility of your ideas. Just because you may have a good idea doesn’t make it true.
To give credit where credit is due. If you use someone’s words or research, you need to acknowledge them.

10. EVALUATE ALL WEBSITES!!
The Web makes all sources look like they have the same value; they do not.
Just because a Web site looks pretty doesn’t make it good.
If you use poor resources, you get a poor paper. Garbage in, garbage out!

11. Authority Accuracy Currency Objectivity Relevance Purpose
Web Evaluation
Authority
Accuracy
Currency
Objectivity
Relevance
Purpose

12. Wikipedia
DO...
use Wikipedia to become familiar with a topic or as a starting point for research
use Wikipedia to find more search terms or keywords for your research topic
maintain a level of skepticism when reading Wikipedia articles

13. IS NOT A CITABLE SOURCE….
Wikipedia
IS NOT A CITABLE SOURCE….
DON’T...
cite Wikipedia articles in your bibliography for assignments or papers
treat information on Wikipedia as facts, especially when concerning legal or medical advice

14. Plagiarism A.K.A. “literary theft”
involves two kinds of wrongs:
THEFT: Using another person’s ideas, information, or expressions without acknowledging that person’s work.
FRAUD: Passing off another person’s ideas, information, or expressions as your own to get a better grade or gain some other advantage.

15. Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
Through this service we are able to obtain many materials (books, articles, documentary DVDs) you may require for your research.
Requires 7-14 days to acquire the materials
Do Your Research EARLY - PLAN AHEAD
Ms. Erica Patel – Library Assistant
telephone: 717–
May be able to obtain other materials also, videos, CDs, etc.

16. You are NOT bothering us; we are here to help!
Please ask at the
LRC front desk
for assistance.
You are NOT bothering us; we are here to help!