See the Learn more about... menu at the bottom of this page for links to the pages in this section that describe how to engage in a particular stage of the research process (e.g. note taking), conduct a certain type of research (e.g. lit review), or search the Web more effectively (e.g. searching the Deep Web). In addition to the detailed pages, here are some quick links for various stages of the process to get you started.

Planning
When developing your search strategy for online resources, review these search tips from UC Berkeley.


Finding Sources
If you choose to search the open web, make it a habit to use more than one search engine. Remember that despite the hundreds of search engines available, the four main search engine formulas are owned by Google, Yahoo, MSN, and Ask. Search all four in one place with Dogpile.


Evaluating Sources
Primary source evaluation worksheets from the National Archives - worksheets to help you evaluate written documents, photographs, cartoons, posters, maps, motion pictures, sound recordings, and artifacts. Distinguishing between primary and secondary sources - concise table from the A. Philip Randolph Memorial Library that describes the characteristics of primary and secondary sources in the humanities and sciences. Scholarly vs. popular vs. trade publications - comparative table from Springfield Township High School Library. See also the Evaluating Resources - Articles segment of NC State's LOBO tutorial. Web site evaluation tips from Ohio University Libraries.


Citing Sources
Research and Documentation Online - companion web site for A Writer's Reference. Includes PDFs of sample works cited pages, sample papers, and examples of how to cite a variety of sources (choose the source type from the drop-down menu) in MLA style; APA style; CMS (Chicago) style; or CSE style. APA and MLA citation guides from UC Berkeley Library - click on the guide you need (APA or MLA) to download it as a PDF.
Citing government documents in MLA (from the University of Nevada)
Citing primary sources in MLA (from UNC) - part of Documenting the American South, this site shows how to cite letters, diaries, historic photographs, and other primary sources you may discover in online digitized collections. The examples are from the collection itself, but if you click on "View Detail", you can see a breakdown of the citation which can help you find the equivalent information about your source.


Doing_Research bookmarks on delicious
You'll also want to check out the following tags in the library's bookmark account (dragonlibrary) on delicious: planning, organizing, collaborating, searching, evaluating, writing, citing, sharing, tips, tools, guides, and tutorials. All but writing (which is under English) are grouped together in the Doing_Research bundle near the top of the tag list.

Learn more about...
Conducting a literature review
Searching the Deep Web
Taking notes
Using key words and subject terms

If you'd like to contribute to this wiki by creating a general tutorial about how to use a research tool like delicious, please create that web page in the Tools section of the wiki.