Research Guides: Library Research Training: Module 3

This module is designed to help you get started with the research process by (a) finding background information, (b) using research guides, and (c) using advanced searching techniques.

After completing this module, you will be able to:

identify types of background information sources (e.g., online encyclopedias) and their value in the research process.
discover encyclopedia articles on topics in Britannica Academic.
extract keywords and phrases from encyclopedia articles to use in searches.
locate generated citations in Britannica Academic.
locate topic-level research guides via the library website.
identify and connect with the librarian who specializes in assisting students researching a particular topic (e.g., Psychology or Athletic Training).
discover sources of information in a variety of formats (e.g., journal articles, books, magazines) in a topic-level research guide.
formulate complex searches using keywords, Boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT), and truncation.

Need help or have a question? Contact Claire Bowling (claire.bowling@uni.edu).

When you are getting started with research, it's a good idea to find background information on your topic, particularly if the topic is unfamiliar to you. In these tutorials, you will learn how to find and use background information sources.

Background Information Tutorial
This tutorial introduces you to finding background information in Britannica Academic.
Wikipedia for Research
This guide provides information on how to use Wikipedia for research.

Research Guide Tutorial
This tutorial introduces you to using research guides to get started with research in a topic.

Advanced Search Commands: Google vs. OneSearch
Use this chart to determine which advanced search commands work in Google vs. OneSearch.

Directions:

Find an article in Britannica Academic on a topic of your choice. Create a discussion post with the following:

Your name and unit in the Title section.
A brief explanation of how the article could be useful for a research assignment.
A list of at least two keywords and/or phrases you could use to find resources on the topic.
A link to your article using the link option in Padlet (step-by-step instructions).

Need help finding a topic? Check out Britannica Academic Article Browse!

(Full page version)