Subject
Research Guides
Getting Started
Keywords/Topic Words
After stating your topic idea as a question, you need to identify the main concepts or keywords in your question. List also any keywords or concepts that clarify or define your topic.
Example: Should the U.S. support bilingual education in public schools?
Keywords: bilingual education, bilingualism, United States, support, finance, vouchers, demographics, languages, immigrants, more
Basic Reference Sources
Use dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, and statistics resources for background information. These resources will help you understand the broader context of your research and tell you in general terms what is known about your topic. Keep in mind:
- Depending on your topic, if a book was published in 1995 or earlier, you may need to look for more current information
- These resources will provide the opportunity for you to further define your topic, list additional keywords, and create questions for you to answer. Following are some examples of the type of books found in the reference area:
| Almanac of American Politics | REF JK 1012 A44 2002 |
| International Encyclopedia of Women & Sports | REF GV 709 I58 2000 |
| Encyclopedia of Psychology | REF BF 31 E52 2000 |
| Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians | REF ML 100 N48 2001 |
Library Catalog
Use the online catalog to find books and journals located here or at the other WEBnet libraries: PMC, Regis, Babson, and Bentley. Search by subject, keyword, title, author, and more.
Phrase or word search: bilingual education, United States, bilingualism
Subject search: bilingual education
TIPS:
- Limit your search to PMA only (Pine Manor Annenberg)
- Use Webcat buttons for navigation—not the buttons on the browser.
Connect to the library catalog NOW!
Books
Use the table of contents and indexes within books to determine if each book will be useful. After finding a book that is appropriate for your research, don’t forget to browse the shelves for other helpful resources.
Indexes
Use to find journal articles on your topic. If the index is an "online database" be sure to access this database through the "Finding Articles" link.
Journals
Consult the subject section of the green Pine Manor serials’ notebook for journals held here. The notebooks are located at the Circulation Desk and in the Reference Room. Journal titles are also listed in the Library Catalog. If you know the title of the journal you would like to use, check the Library Catalog to see if it is available at Annenberg. We also have many electronic full-text journals. Again, if you know the title you are interested in, search our directory of online journals.
Web Sites
The Internet has millions and millions of Web sites; therefore it is impossible to know about all of the sites relevant to your topic. Explore links that appear to be relevant, and be choosy! Who maintains the site? From where is the information gathered? Are the author and organization listed? Is the last date of revision noted?
- Choose the link Web Resources for a wide range of topics
- Choose a database that fits your topic
- Try a search engine like Google or AltaVista
Remember!
- Develop a clear picture of your topic.
- List what questions need to be asked and answered for thorough discussion of your topic?
- Think critically about all information – become a discerning consumer of information!
- Be organized!
- Give yourself enough TIME to complete your assignment or research paper! Don’t wait until the last minute to begin.