How to do Research - Indianapolis

The Ivy Tech Indianapolis librarians have curated guides for different subjects and courses. These guides are the best place to start your research since they offer suggestions on which databases to search first, links to web resources, and books and e-resources associated with particular topics.

Consider starting your research process by browsing the Library Guide landing page. You can search for library guides by:

• A-Z alphabetical list of guides
• Course-specific guides
• Subject-specific guides

Articles are published in periodicals (publications that are issued on a regular or "periodic" basis, like magazines and newspapers).  Periodicals can be separated into two groups: Scholarly and Popular. 

Types of Periodicals & Why to Consider Using Them:

• Scholarly Journals provide in-depth, authoritative information. They are generally published on a monthly or quarterly basis.  Scholarly journals:

  • Feature in-depth articles that report on quality research and case studies, and provide critical analysis
  • Are written by experts in a specific field and include bibliographies
  • Are written for an audience of scholars, researchers, professionals, and students
  • Are sometimes referred to as “peer-reviewed” or “academic” sources
  • Are generally sponsored by an academic or professional organization

• Popular Magazines / Newspapers can provide useful information. They are generally published on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, but require students to consider certain characteristics before using them as sources. Magazines and newspapers: 

  • Contain short articles over a range of topics that might summarize topics or current events
  • Are less authoritative, but can be more up-to-date
  • Are written for the general public
  • Contain many photographs and advertisements

How to Search for Articles:

• Use the A-Z Resources list to locate Ivy Tech databases that contain articles. in Ivy Tech databases. This list can be searched by:
  • Key words
  • Database title
  • Subject
  • Type of source
• Select a database that aligns with the subject or source type being searched
• Search databases using key words and Boolean logic (reviewed in the DEVELOP tab on the left). 

Consider Using Books For:

• a thorough, complete source of information on a topic
• historical information related to your topic
• summaries of research to support your argument or to put your topic in context with other important issues

Print vs. E-Book Options:

• Print books will be listed with a specific campus library location (ie. Indianapolis or Lawrence).
• E-Book records will include the phrase “electronic book” or “Online Book Collection." 
  •  To access an E-Book, click on the title to go to its detailed record.  At the top of the item record, you’ll see a link with “CLICK HERE” to access the E-Book.
  • Ivy Tech students can access E-Books 24/7, from anywhere with internet access. 

How to Search for Books:

• Use IvyCat, the library catalog, to find Ivy Tech library books and to link to E-Books. Use keywords in the IvyCat search box below, or search for specific authors, titles, or ISBNs. Then use the limiters on the left-hand side of IvyCat to filter to specific library locations or Electronic Resource book options. 

Understanding Search Engines:

Search engines like Google or Bing search within its own index of webpages to match the keywords you enter, then offers a listing of "hits" to these webpages.  Keep the following things in mind when looking at online search results:

• Webpages rank higher in the results list when they are linked to by other, high-quality sites. The more sites that link to a page, the higher it will appear in a results list.
• Search engines may display results in a “customized” order based on your prior browsing history, which can limit the website results to webpages that fit the subject areas of previous searching.
• Advertisements generally appear near the top of the page and can be mistaken for results.

Understanding URL Domains:

Websites end with different domains, which communicates about the type of information that can be found on the website and its general level of credibility. 

• Educational websites (.edu)
  • Used by educational institutions like schools and colleges
  • Potentially useful for locating teaching and learning resources
• Government websites (.gov)
  • Used by government agencies
  • Potentially useful for locating specific policy language, government reports, or national statistics
• Organization websites (.org)
  • Used by non-profit organizations or community-based groups
  • Potentially useful for locating information about causes and an organization's research, but may be biased toward the organization's mission and goals
• Corporate websites (.com)
  • Most common domain, often used for commercial or business websites
  • Potentially useful for locating various types of information, but may be biased toward the company's or individual's goals
  • Very important to assess the credibility of information (please see the ASSESS tab on the left for more information)

A primary source is a document or physical object which was written or created during the time under study. These sources were present during an experience or time period and offer an inside view of a particular event.

Types of Primary Sources:

• Original Documents (excerpts or translations acceptable): autobiographies, diaries, interviews, speeches, letters, manuscripts, news film footage, official records, photographs
• Creative Works: art, drama, music, novels, poetry
• Relics or Artifacts: buildings, clothing, furniture, pottery

Recommended Ivy Tech Databases to Search for Primary Sources: