Read through the Suggested Research Topics and choose three that are the most interesting to you.
Begin researching your #1 choice research topic in the three basic research sources we’ve linked below, and created videos about (in the left-hand column):
A) Credo Reference: look for one or more encyclopedia articles with relevant background information about the topic.
- Watch video for how to save/email links to articles
- Save/email to yourself links to those articles.
B) Usearch (the library catalog): look for at least one book or video that may provide useful information.
- Watch this video to learn how to limit results to books and videos, and how to save/email results.
- Save/email to yourself links to the catalog record (or write down the title, location, and call number).
C) Academic Search Premier database: look for journal/magazine articles related to the topic.
- Watch video for how to save/email links to articles
- Save/email links to those articles.
As you do your research, consider two important questions:
1. Am I finding enough initial information to suggest that in-depth research later in the semester will be feasible?
2. Am I still interested enough in the topic to sustain me through a long research project?
When the answer is "yes" for both of those questions, you’re ready for the library session. Otherwise, select another topic and start again.
Be ready to discuss in class what you did to research your topic, what strategies worked well, and what questions you have about locating additional information/resources.
