FAQ: Find Your Sources

Where might you find your sources and how might you find them?

findinginprocess.png

  • Click on the Catalog link at the top of the library page.
  • Enter at least 2 keywords in the catalog.
  • If you get no results, check your spelling. If that’s correct, try searching under your most important keyword only.
  • Look at the results that come up, and find the best book or DVD that matches your topic.
  • Write down the call number, location, and notice the status of the book, DVD, or CD. Head to the reference desk in the library to learn how to physically locate the book.
  • Look at the call numbers of all the items listed. Are they all in the same range? If so, you might want to head directly to that shelf to browse through the items.
  • Do a title or a call number search in the Library Catalog for the item that you want.
  • Bring up the item that you want on the screen and click on the REQUEST button that appears at the top of the page.
  • Log in with your last name and library card number.
  • Fill out the request form as completely as possible. You will be notified when the item is returned.

Start on the Databases page and select the subject that is closest to your topic.

  • Read the database descriptions to see what kinds of information you can find in each database.
  • Many databases will allow you to search for specific kinds of information, so look for links that allow you to limit by type of source (scholarly article, magazine article), date, or subject.

You can limit your search to professional journals in an article database by checking the box "peer reviewed". A peer-reviewed journal has articles that have been reviewed by a panel of experts before the article is published. This review process ensures that the article is of very high quality. Not all journals are peer-reviewed, however. Ask your instructor if he/she requires peer-reviewed journals for your research project.

Click on the “find this” link under the article title. This will launch a search of all of our databases to see if the article is online anywhere.

  • If it is: click on the database name and open the article.
  • If not, click on the Interlibrary Loan link that appears. Log in and fill out the form with your article’s information. You should get the material in about 5-7 days.

A magazine provides general information and entertaining reading to a wide audience. Magazines cover current news and general interest topics. Magazine articles are usually short and easy to comprehend by the general public. They rarely cite sources or include bibliographies. EXAMPLES: Newsweek, Psychology Today, Sports Illustrated, Glamour, and Business Week.

A journal reports scholarly, often original research conducted by professionals or experts in a given discipline such as medicine, psychology, or literature. Journal articles are often long, complex, and can be challenging reading for those unfamiliar with the field of study. They will include abstracts (summaries), footnotes, bibliographies. EXAMPLES: Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Journal of Accountancy, Ecology, Journal of American History, and The International Journal of Eating Disorders.

Still confused? Watch this video from Cornell University on Youtube.

You have several options:

  • Come to the reference desk in the library during regular library hours
  • Call the library reference desk at (630) 942-3364 or use email or chat
  • Take a look at the research guide for your subject and use the sources described there. You can also contact the librarian listed to schedule a personal appointment.







Back to the beginning

Tags: