PAID 112 Section 28 - Row-Heyveld (Spring 2020)

In this Guide, you'll find:

• Resource suggestions for your section topic:
  • Getting started with reference sources
  • Gathering more information through books, articles, websites, etc.
• Tips on searching for sources and evaluating the sources you find
• Contact information for your librarian

Preus Library has so much more than what's in this Guide! When you have questions about the library or about finding a resource, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Return to the Paideia 112 Research Unit Guide

Link to in-class activity:

Reference materials are the place to begin your research.  Reading in specialized encyclopedias will anchor your research in an historical context and will give you the key terms and concepts to conduct successful database searches.

As you start exploring the library and its resources, here are some tips to help you gather more sources:

• Use filters in the catalog and in databases. Typically along the left side of your search results screen, you'll be able to filter your search results by topic, by type of source, by date, and more.
• Heading to the stacks? Browse the shelves near the book you're headed for--you'll probably find more books on the same topic.
• Use subject terms--these are standardized phrases that librarians assign to sources that are all on the same topic. You can generally find them in the description of a resource. If you click on one, you'll see more articles or books about the same thing.
• What documents or research are your sources citing? See if you can track those down too.