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Research
Scholars should take advantage of LIBRARY books and databases when in search of current and reliable information!
A database is an information platform that our library purchases to provide access to thousands of quality newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and encyclopedias for a streamlined experience. Databases often feature pre-made citations, Google Drive integrations, and the ability to filter your search based on your specific needs.
Student Username = ID#
Password/Pin = last 4 digits of ID#
Teacher Username = 10 + ID#
Teacher Usernames are 7 digits;
Use a 1, 10 or 100 in front of your staff ID
If a second password is needed, contact YOUR teacher or librarian.
Additional Sites
JStor
WorldCat
Google Scholar
Digital Public Library of America
(DPLA)
Umbra Search
(for African American History)
Disclaimer* JSTOR's free, open access content is available with a free personal account.
You can register HERE and download 6 free articles each month.
Student Usernames = ID#
When searching for online sources with Wikipedia or Google Scholar, valid articles MUST provide a reference list.
Review the referenced articles for Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy and Purpose (aka the C.R.A.A.P. test)
Developing a Research Path:
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH QUESTION
(writingcenter.gmu.edu)
Tips on Developing a Research Question
Exercise 1: Can the topic be researched?
Exercise 2: Is the question too broad or too narrow?
Exercise 3: Evaluate Your Own Research Question
Formulating a Research Question
The Big 6 Research Model
1) Task Definition; 2) Information Seeking Strategies; 3) Locate and Access Sources; 4) Use Information; 5) Synthesis and Present Information; 6) Evaluate and Improve
Primary Sources
Writing Styles and Citing Sources
Downloading a photo for a presentation? Cite it.
Quoting a famous author or your best friend? Cite it.
Sharing a game-changing statistic in an Infographic? Cite it.
Every time you use someone else's intellectual property*, you MUST identify the source of that piece of information or creative work. This is called citing a source. It's okay if you don't know everything, just be truthful about using someone else's work to complement your own work.
Each academic discipline has its own rules for how to cite sources for a project, and you should ask your teacher what they prefer. If you don't know, just follow the best practices defined by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), Modern Language Association (MLA) or American Psychology Association (APA). APA (American Psychological Association) is used by Social Sciences, such as Psychology, Linguistics, Sociology, Economics, and Criminology, Business, and Nursing. MLA (Modern Language Association) style is used by the Humanities such as English Studies - Language and Literature; Foreign Languages and Literatures, Literary Criticism, Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies. CMOS (Chicago Manual of Style) is generally used by History, English and the Fine Arts. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Style is often used in all branches of Engineering, Computer Science, and other Technological Fields.
Explore APA Style for Beginners to Get Started!
Purdue University Writing Lab - MLA Style Guide
*Intellectual Property - a work or invention that is the result of creativity, such as a manuscript or a design, to which one has rights and for which one may apply for a patent, copyright, trademark, etc.
Free Citation Tools