The library catalog can be found on the main library page. The "Books and Media" search will allow you to search both eBooks and print books. All of the searching tips and tricks can be used to build a search in the catalog.
Databases are a premium tool for finding scholarly resources to support your research. Databases offer a myriad of ways to build and limit searches so you can find relevant sources quickly and efficiently. The searching tips and tricks will help you to become a proficient searcher who can navigate databases with ease.
Online Archival Collections - There are a large number of online archival collections that include specific people, professions, organizations, etc. These are invaluable for finding primary sources for your topic.
Google Scholar - "is a Web search engine that specifically searches scholarly literature and academic resources." You can find in-depth information about Google Scholar here. Unlike a Google search which searches the open Web, Google Scholar searches the same academic content available in library databases. It will have overlap with the library and show if your library has the item available (provided you are connected to the university). Google Scholar does offer advanced searching, however, its capabilities are not as 'in-tune' as searching a library database will be, so while it has its place, I don't recommend it for beginning researchers.
Websites - depending on your topic and/or discipline, a website may be an appropriate, citable, resource for a project or paper. The key is to always follow your professor's instructions and learn how to evaluate resources thoroughly.
Creativity in researching begins with developing a thorough understanding of your research topic; this is fundamental to streamlining the process and enriching your findings. This entails delving into its intricacies—exploring both similarities and divergences with related subject areas. Consider the most appropriate sources (and types of sources) for your study, critically engaging with all perspectives, and acknowledging the complex interplay between its positives, negatives, and broader connections.
Embrace interdisciplinary exploration. Delve deeper through transdisciplinary analysis, venturing beyond the immediate field to parallel professions and diverse academic arenas. Consider comparative studies from other cultural contexts to add fresh perspectives.
For example, researching rule changes in the NFL demands a nuanced approach. One might investigate the link to Traumatic Brain Injury, analyze case studies of impacted players, and even examine rule adjustments in other sports, drawing insights from their rationale and outcomes.
Remember, librarians are invaluable partners in this process. Their expertise in creative thinking and resource navigation can unlock a wealth of information, guiding you towards fruitful discoveries.
Zondervan Library Taylor University 1846 Main Street, Upland, IN 46989 (765) 998-4357