Page 189 - Keys to College Success

the library layout and resources. Get to know a librarian who can assist you in locating
unfamiliar or hard-to-find sources, navigating catalogs and databases, uncovering
research shortcuts, and dealing with unpredictable equipment. At most schools, you
can query a librarian by email or text. Know what you want to accomplish before ask-
ing a question.
To avoid being overwhelmed, use a practical, step-by-step search method. Key 6.7
shows how to start wide and then narrow your search for a closer look at specific sources.
When using virtual or online catalogues, you will need to adjust your research
methods. Searching library databases requires a keyword search—an exploration that
uses a topic-related, natural-language word or phrase as a starting point to locate other
information. To narrow your search and reduce the number of hits (results returned by
your search), add more keywords to your search criteria. For example, instead of
searching through the broad category “art,” focus on “French art” or, more specifically,
“nineteenth-century French art.” Key 6.8 shows how to use the keyword system to nar-
row your search with what is called Boolean logic.

Know the Basics of Online Research

Unlike your college library collection or databases, Internet resources are not always
evaluated by anyone who vouches for their quality. As a result, you need critical think-
ing to sort out the valid, credible materials from the invalid, not-so-credible ones.

Start with search engines
Among the most popular and effective search engines are Google (www.google.com)
and Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com). Search engines aimed at academic audiences include

KEY 6.7 Use a step-by-step search method.

Start with
general Examples include encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, biographical
reference references.
works

Move to
specialized Examples include encyclopedias and dictionaries that focus on a narrow
reference field.
works

Use the Search the library catalog by author, title, or subject to locate specific
electronic books, periodicals, and journals. Most library catalogs are virtual and can
catalog to locate be accessed by computers throughout the library. Ask a librarian for
materials assistance, if needed.

Browse through
relevant books Using your results from the catalog search, dive in deeper by looking
through the books and articles related to your topic.
and articles
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