Questions:
Where am I most likely to find this information?
Answers to these questions will influence where we search.
Thinking About Where to Search
Background Information | Criticism About the Work (Academic) | About the Work (At the Time) |
Books e.g. Reference Books |
Journal Articles Books e.g. criticism, from University Presses |
Magazine and newspaper articles |
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See Using Databases for database links OR look up a databases using the Databases tab in the search box in the upper right.
Scholarly vs. Popular - Key Characteristics
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Peer-Reviewed - Scholarly Journal Articles
North Carolina State University (NCSU) Libraries, 3:15
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Identifying Your Keywords
This will depend on the information you need AND the search tool you use. However, it is often best to get started with some keywords that represent your topic or research question.
Information Need, Example 1: I want to find out more about the context of Childish Gambino's "This Is America" video.
Information Need, Example 2: I want to find some analysis or criticism of Beyonce's Lemonade album.
STRATEGY A: Putting Together a Search
Now these we have considered keywords, how do we put these together effectively into a search?
1. Phrase Searching with Quotation Marks
Search for a specific phrase -- those exact words in that order -- with "quotation marks".
Example: "music video"
2. Using AND/OR - Connecting Words
Put dissimilar terms together with AND.
Put similar terms together with OR.
Example: "Taylor Swift" AND ("music video" OR "all too well")
3. Use Truncation
Truncate a word with the asterisk * to ensure you pick up different forms of the same word.
Example: music* finds music, musical, musician, etc.
STRATEGY B: Using Database Functionality
4. Limiters
5. Subject Headings
Determining if the Information is Suitable
Research is an iterative process. Instead of straightforward and linear, it is repetitive and cyclical. As you move through the steps to learn, you should modify and revise your strategies. Don't be afraid to return to an earlier step to reset your process!
Long description of "Research is a Process" for web accessibility
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