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Library FAQs (prior to COVID19)

Answers to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Library and its resources. #LibraryFAQ

How do I choose/narrow down my topic?

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just starting your first research paper, choosing and narrowing down your topic can be challenging! The Unlocking Research guide can help you through this process.  If you’d like more help, one of our reference librarians will be happy to assist you. Drop by the Reference Desk Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-4:00.

Tags: research, choosing a topic

Where should I start looking for sources?

Once you have a topic picked and are ready to look for sources, the library has lots of ways to assist you! Here are a few suggestions:

Search for articles on your topic in one of the library’s online databases.

Search the library catalogue for books on your topic, or search Ebook Central for e-books. Just type some keywords into the search box on either site and start looking for relevant resources!

Search the Internet for websites about your topic. Be careful, though! Many websites containing outdated or misleading information. Check out this helpful page for more information on assessing the validity of a website for research purposes.

Take a look at other questions in this FAQ for more help understanding how to use each of these resources, or visit our Unlocking Research guide to learn more about gathering information for research. Need more help? Feel free to drop by the reference desk Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-4:00.

Tags: research, search strategies, databases, websites, online resources

Does the library have collections of specific resources for different classes?

Our librarians have developed a number of online resource guides designed to help you conduct research on a range of specific subjects. You can find these guides under the “Subject/Course Guides” link on the library homepage.

Tags: research, online resources

How do I pick good search terms for my topic?

Learning how to search for information is an important skill you will develop during your time at the college. Our Unlocking Research guide offers some great guidance to get you started with searching. If you’d like more help, feel free to drop by the reference desk Monday-Thursday 9:00-4:30 and Friday 9:00-4:00.

Tags: research, search strategies