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An Introduction to Library Research

Research Companion Video Tutorials: "Where Do I Find Information?" and "What Kinds of Sources Are Out There?

What, Why, Where: Reference Sources

Reference Sources

Why?

Use to help choose a topic, narrow a topic, identify search terms, get overviews of topics, find additional information sources, and find facts.

Where?

Books or monographs

Why?

Use to help choose a topic, get detailed overviews of topics, learn about your topic in greater depth, and find evidence to support your argument.

Where?

Articles

Why?

Use to find the latest research and thinking on your topic, to learn about a very specific aspect of your topic, and to find evidence to support your argument.

Where?