German 371: Wissen und Wissenschaften
Research Librarian
Where Do I Start?
Step 1: Do Some Preliminary Searching
Spend some time browsing encyclopedias or databases to explore ideas for a research paper or to see if the topic you have in mind is something scholars have been discussing.
Step 2: Run your topic by your professor. Once you get the green light, begin gathering your sources. Start with encyclopedias to:
- Get an overview of your topic
- Begin to learn who the scholars are that have wriitten about it
- Look at the bibliography at the end of the article to learn about important articles and books
- Pick up on any new vocabulary
Search Catalyst for books and articles
- Remember to use Subject Headings
- If you need to get books from another library, do this early so that you have your materials on time
- Scan bibliographies in the books you find to lead you to other important sources
Use article databases to find more recent scholarship
Step 3: Evaluate your sources
- Are they peer reviewed?
- What is the authority behind the material?
- Is timeliness important?
- Think about the scholarly conversation