HIS350 Modern America Research Guide

As you conduct research during this course, you are encouraged to use the searching tips and suggested resources found in this guide to facilitate your research process.

(Image from: Credo Reference)

1.  Analyze your information need

• Write a question or statement about your chosen topic
• Identify key words and phrases that describe your topic
• Determine:
  • The level of coverage and depth of the information needed
  • The type of information needed
  • How much information you need
  • The currency of the information needed
  • How soon you need the information
  • What disciplines or groups would be researching and writing about your topic

2.  Select the best information sources for your paper/project/presentation

• Books (including eBooks, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.)    
• Articles from journals, magazines, or newspapers
• Primary sources
• Videos, audios
• Images
• Websites

3.  Select the appropriate resource in which to search

• Click on the Encyclopedias / Dictionaries link to search for dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.
• Click on the Books & eBooks link to search for books, eBooks, videos, & audios
• Click on the Articles link to search for journal and newspaper articles
• Click on the Primary Sources link to search for primary information sources
• Click on the Media link to search for images or streaming videos/audios

4.  Conduct effective, efficient searches using "smart searching" techniques

5.  Determine the relevance and reliability of the sources located

6.  Develop a working bibliography/reference list 
     (RefWorks can help with this!)

7.  Physically locate the desired material 
     (Sometimes this may mean requesting from another library)

8.  Read and think critically about your sources

9.  Write/develop an effective research paper/project/presentation

10.  Correctly cite the sources you used
       (e.g., using Turabian citation style) 
       (RefWorks can help with this too!)