Research Guide for ESL045: Researching Your Topic
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Prepared by Elinor Appel NSCC Library (this will open in a new window) Tutoring help is available in The Loft, upstairs in the Library. |
Books
Use books to find background information on your topic. Some books will be more current (up to date) than others. Check out books using your Student ID card. You will find books for your research
- In the Circulating Collection (upstairs), for instance:
- Conserving the Environment [TD 170.3 .6C66 2006]
- Somalia [DT 401.5 .H37 1997]
- Tobacco and Smoking [HV 5733 .T62 2005]
- Urban America [HT 123 .U724 2005]
- Working Women [HD 6053 .W6773 1998]
- In the Reference Collection (main floor) - these books cannot be checked out but I will copy pages for you if you ask me!
- Encyclopedia of Women and Gender [Ref HQ 1115 .E43 2001]
- Encyclopedia of World Environmental History [Ref GE 10 .E63 2004]
- Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008 [Ref HA 202 2008]
To search the catalog for books start with a Keyword Relevance Search. Begin by searching with broad, general terms (this is not like searching Google) :
When you find a title that you like
1. Click on it to check location
2. Then check the Status or Availability...
3. And call number. You will use the call number to find the book on the shelves. Or ask a librarian to help you!
If you want a book that is in a different library, ask a librarian to show you how to request it.
Use periodical databases to find articles on your topic.
Some articles may contain statistics or statements that support your topic. Good databases for your research are:
- ProQuest - general database with articles ranging from news to scholarly
- eLibrary Academic - use this database if you would like to adjust (change) the reading level of the information you find
- Opposing ViewPoints - this database contains articles on controversial issues; you will find it under "Reference Databases"
Use your handout for help searching these databases. Or ask a librarian!
Websites are often your best source of current (up to date) information. Websites are also a good source for statistics. But there are also many uninformative websites online. In order to find good information on the Internet, use these tips we tried in class:
- Limit your search to websites from educational or government domains: site:edu or site:gov
- Add terms like statistics or increasing or decreasing to your search
- Limit your search to websites from specific countries. For instance site:jp will just search webites from Japan.
- Check Wikipedia for good Internet links. Wikipedia can be a good place to start your research but it's not a good place to stop!
- Search global organizations such as:
- UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
- United Nations Statistics Division - demographic and social statistics
Some websites for your research:
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics
- Homelessness Fact Sheet for Students - from the National Alliance to End Homelessness
- "More Americans Have Home Computer Networks," Pew Internet and American Life Project - search this site for information on computer use
- Rainforest Destruction - from the World Rainforest Information Portal
- Report on the American Work Force - long document (PDF) from the US Secretary of Labor
- Urban Crime Statistics - from WBUR, a radio station in Boston, Feb. 2006
- The 2008 Statistical Abstract - contains the same information as the Statistical Abstract of the United States 2008
- Study Links Carbon Dioxide Emissions to Increased Deaths - 2008 article from Stanford University
- Water Quality in the Natural Environment - information from The National Academies
- Women in the Labor Force in 2006 - from the US Dept. of Labor, includes projected (future) statistics
Research can take time. If you need help, come to the Reference Desk, or contact me directly. The easiest way is to find me here:
If you need help with your writing, tutors in The Loft can help you.