Before you start any research, you need to step back and determine exactly what you want to accomplish then create a plan for doing so.
Make a plan so that you can take logical steps toward your research project. Each step will prepare you to do a better job with the next step.
There are many types of resources available to you in the Campus Library and the library's website. These resources include:
Books are an authoritative form of information, but may not be the most current. Books can be either printed or electronic, and some books are published both ways. You can find books through IvyCat and on campus at the library.
Periodicals are published on a regular basis. Examples are journals, magazines, newspapers, and trade publications.
Government Documents are materials published by a government agency. They include reports, studies, statistics, periodicals, posters, etc. This material seldom has copyright restrictions and often can be obtained from the publishing agency for free. The authority is generally considered high because it comes from a government agency, however government publications are not without controversy or the agency's bias.
Selecting the keywords you will use in doing your search is very important. Once you begin your search, you will think of others and rethink the ones you started with. However, it is very important that you try and start with the right terminology. This will reduce your effort and time to complete your research.
Consider:
Boolean operators are terms which help you search databases for specific information and assist you in getting what you need in an efficient and timely manner.
Watch the video below to get a better understanding of using Boolean Operators.
This video provides a basic explanation of how to use Boolean operators in database searching; produced by a librarian at Shurz Library, IU South Bend.