Research Tips and Exercises
Preparing to Search
Good research begins with clear thinking about the assigned task. The best way to start a research paper is to make sure you know what you are supposed to do, so reread the assignment and underline or highlight the critical phrases. These are the ones that tell you the subject, the kinds of resources you should use, the expected length, and the due date.
Before you begin searching for specific books or articles it's probably a good idea to get some information from a more neutral source. This kind of background information will provide a context within which you can place the other sources you find. In this case, a subject encyclopedia, such as
Encyclopedias
Articles in encyclopedias, especially scholarly subject encyclopedias, can be very helpful in establishing basic information about a person, place, event, or theory and they often have bibliographies that list additional resources worth consulting.
- eBook Collection (Gale) This link opens in a new windowSearch for ebooks that provide a broad overview of many topics. The database includes mostly reference works, such as encyclopedias, almanacs, yearbooks, handbooks, and more. (Gale)
- Oxford Reference Online This link opens in a new windowSearch for background information on a variety of topics published in the Oxford series of reference books. Find information on topics in the arts, sciences, history, language and literature, and more. (Oxford)
- Cambridge Companions Online This link opens in a new windowSearch these ebooks for essays that provide an introduction to major writers, artists, philosophers, topics, and periods. Subjects covered include Africana studies, anthropology, classical studies, English and literature, music, philosophy, and religious studies. (Cambridge)
- Very Short Introductions This link opens in a new window
Search for concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects. These short books are written by experts in the field and cover everything from Vatican II to the Civil Rights Movement to Medical Ethics. Note: Only 5 users may access this database at one time. (Oxford)
Top Resources for Journal Articles on Fairy Tales
- Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on most topics. This multi-disciplinary database is a good place to start if you don't know where else to begin. (EBSCO)
- MLA International Bibliography with Full Text This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to the study of language, literature, linguistics, rhetoric/composition, and folklore. (EBSCO)
- Literature Resource Center This link opens in a new windowSearch for biographies, overviews, and critical analysis of literary topics, authors, and their works. (Gale)
- Short Story Criticism (Literature Criticism Online) This link opens in a new windowSearch for literary criticism on short stories. (Gale)
- Humanities International Complete This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to the humanities. (EBSCO)
- FIAF: International Index to Film Periodicals This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to film, film theory, film history, and film criticism. The database also contains "Treasures from the Film Archives," which has a detailed index of the silent-era film holdings of archives from around the world. (ProQuest)
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics in the arts, humanities, social sciences and some math/science. Most journals have volumes/issues dating from the 19th century to within 3-5 years of present day. (ITHAKA)
- Project Muse This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to the arts, humanities, and social sciences. (Project MUSE)
- Communication & Mass Media Complete This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to communication, linguistics, mass media, and journalism. (EBSCO)
- Psychology & Behavioral Sciences Collection This link opens in a new windowSearch for journal articles on topics related to psychology, including emotional and behavioral characteristics, psychiatry, mental processes, anthropology, observational and experimental methods, and more. (EBSCO)
- Women's Studies International This link opens in a new windowSearch for articles from journals that publish feminist research in areas of sociology, history, political science, public policy, international relations, arts and humanities, business, and education. (EBSCO)
- Cambridge Companions Online: Literature and Classics This link opens in a new windowSearch these ebooks for essays on major authors, time periods, and literary genres. (Cambridge)
Humanities Librarian
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28 Westhampton Way
804-289-8823
Finding Books
The first place to check for books on your topic is OneSearch, using the Books filter.. Here are some quick tips for effective catalog searches:
If you are looking for books by a writer, use the Author search (last name first).
If you want books about an author, use the Subject Heading Browse search (last name first).
Most books by and about an author are shelved together, so once you have a few call numbers, you can browse downstairs, but you can also browse online..
If you're looking for a particular short story or an essay, a Keyword search works best.
If you discover a book, chapter, or essay by using the MLA Bibliography, search the catalog for the title of the book to see if we own it.
