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General Research and Reference - Books, Journal Articles, GALILEO: Home

Searching the library for books, periodicals, and reference information.

Welcome

Welcome to the General Research and Reference Guide. If you would like more help with your research:

We will be glad to answer your question or schedule a research appointment for your assignment needs.

Beginning Your Project

The Research Process

  1. Formulate your question -- list key words to use in your searches.
  2. Find background information (using encyclopedias, dictionaries, and reference works).
  3. Refine your search topic.
  4. Consider your resource options -- what type of materials do you need to answer your questions? Books, journal articles, images?
  5. Select and use the appropriate research tool (such as books or article databases in GALILEO).
  6. Locate your materials.
  7. Analyze your materials.
  8. Organize and write your paper.
  9. Compose your bibliography and cite your work properly.

For more detailed help with the research process, see USG's Starting Your Search.