ENGL 102 (All)

Quarter:

F/W/S/Su 2012-13

Outcomes

In a typical library instruction session, English 102 students can expect to learn where to find different types of information, how to find and develop keywords about a topic, and how to search databases.

General Information

Library website: library.clark.edu
Access databases from off campus, through the library website. Log in with your name and student ID number when prompted.
Find this handout on the library website: Find → Class Guides → ENGL 102 (All)
Citing Sources: MLA citation examples

Navigate the Research Process

Although research is not necessarily a linear process, there are some specific steps that make the process easier.

Step 1: Choose a topic

Sometimes, choosing a topic can be the hardest part of the research process! Start by thinking about ideas that are interesting to you. It is okay to have more than one topic idea at first, as you may need to do background research on two or three before you settle on a topic that you like.

Learn more about Choosing topics: IRIS: Choose and Explore Topics

Step 2: Recognize where to find different types of information

Once you choose a topic, think about the best places to search for more information about it. The following IRIS tutorials can help you learn about different places to search for information:

The Web : A good place to start!
Subject Encyclopedias : Explore and collect background information.
Library Catalogs: Search here for books and more.
Library Databases (Periodical indexes) Search here for articles and more.
Learn more about different Types of Information.

Step 3: Identify keywords

As you begin to search the Web and other places for information about your topic, write down keywords that you find about your topic. You can also brainstorm for keywords about your topic. Think about similar terms, broader terms, narrower terms, related terms, organizations or people.

Step 4: Develop Search Phrases

Using your keywords, begin writing search phrases using the following search techniques.

Search Techniques:

Boolean terms: OR (expands search) AND (narrows search)

Truncation/Wildcard: * or $ (expands search)

Quotation marks: "FDA" (narrows search)

Example Search Phrases:

hunger AND welfare

snacks OR fast food

"FDA" and diet* supplements

farm* and organic food

Learn more building search phrases in IRIS: Search Strategies and IRIS: Boolean Operators

Step 5: Use your search phrases to find articles in library databases

Try your search phrases in our library databases. Some good ones to try first:

The above databases are general databases, which are useful when you first begin researching your topic. You will also want to explore subject databases, once you know more about your topic. You can find subject databases by going to:

Library Website --> Find → All Subjects → Choose a subject related to your topic.

For your English 102 paper, you will need to locate articles from academic, or research journals. Read Scholarly Journal Articles to learn how to identify them.

Find help and learn more

Explore the library's How To Guides (Find --> How to...)
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