Welcome!

This guide serves as a general research tutorial for ENGL 1101 and COMM 1110.

Your research should not be limited to the scope of this guide. Please feel free to check with a reference librarian for more resources on your specific topic.

• Getting Started / Understanding your assignment
• The research strategy
  1. Identify your topic
     • Suggestions for finding a topic
     • Resources for identifying a topic
       • CQ Researcher, etc.
  2. Find background information
     • Encyclopedias
     • Dictionaries
  3. Refine your topic
     • Narrowing and broadening your topic
     • State your topic as a question
     • Identify the main concepts or keywords in your question
     • Identify synonyms and alternate keywords
  4. Search for materials
     • Find BOOKS and other materials owned by Ingram Library
       • Searching the Library online catalog (GIL)
     • Find ARTICLES
       • Searching databases to find articles on your topic
       • How to find out if the Library has the journal you need
     • Find UP-TO-DATE information
       • How to search Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe
     • Find STATISTICS
       • FactSearch, Lexis-Nexis Statistical Universe, and Statistical Abstract of the United States.
     • Search the INTERNET
       • Pitfalls of using the Internet for research
       • Assets of using the Internet for research
       • Finding information on the Internet
       • Tips for searching the Internet
  5. Evaluate Your Sources
     • Criteria for evaluating library resources
  6. Write the Assignment
     • Writing guides and handbooks
  7. Cite and Document Your Sources
     • Style manuals