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Getting Started with Library Research: Find Materials

Getting Started

 

Before you start looking for materials, ask yourself a few questions!

 

What are you researching?

Make sure you have a topic or research question in mind.

 

What kind of materials do you need?

Check your assignment instructions for specific requirements like "peer-reviewed articles" or "news articles from the past 5 years."

 

What do you already know?

If a topic is completely new to you, learn the basics first! Check your textbook, read a few Wikipedia articles, or find a recent news article.

Tips


To search multiple databases at once, use PowerSearch! Don't forget to sign in so it can save your searches. Need help? Check out the tutorial.



Don't ever buy an article! Request it via Interlibrary Loan.



Check out these tutorials on accessing popular databases.