Research+Process

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1. Explore your topic.
Find out the basic facts and context. A specialized encyclopedia or handbook can be helpful, e.g.
 * //Encyclopedia of Family Life//
 * //Gale Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders//
 * //Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History//
 * //St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture//
 * Sometimes articles in Reference Books have individual authors. You must include the author of a signed article in your //Works Cited// list. Also, remember to check the bibliographies at the end of the articles for additional sources about your topic.**

2. Find a specific area that interests you.

 * It should be broad enough to make sure that there is sufficient information but narrow enough to cover well.
 * It is often helpful to phrase your topic as a question, specifying what you want to know about the topic, e.g. "What are some causes of depression in teenagers?" or "How does society view inter-racial couples?"

3. Check the library catalog for books and media items on your topic.

 * A keyword search is a good beginning. To get the full range of materials, learn to find the subject headings that you need.
 * Combine search terms using AND/OR to focus or broaden your search.
 * If you aren't finding the articles you need, Contact Us. Our Reference Librarians are experts!
 * Be sure to copy or print the item record so you have the information for your //Works Cited// list.**

4. If you need more sources, click on the OhioLINK button.

 * Here you can search the catalogs of all academic libraries in Ohio. You can request a book from any library and have it delivered to Ursuline or another college library in less than a week.

5. Use the Databases section of our Library's website.

 * Find periodical articles on your topic. Periodical indexes are just like book indexes, only better. They can search thousands of periodicals at once.
 * Academic Search Complete indexes articles in many areas and often includes full text. When you find an article of interest, click on the blue article link (the title) to see an article summary. If you are still interested in the article, click the link for full text or the "Find It" button to look for it in another database.
 * Use URsearch to search all Ursuline library databases and our catalog from a single search box! URsearch result lists will contain many different types of sources.

6. Locate Internet Articles, if appropriate.

 * Remember that anyone can put anything on the web.
 * Click **here** for tips on evaluating websites.

=MOST IMPORTANT!=
 * Please Contact Us at the library! We're here to help you.**