How to Research
Step 1: Identify and develop your topic.
Step 2: Search the Online Catalog and Online Databases to find resources on your topic.
Step 3: Find Internet Resources.
Step 4: Cite what you Find.
Download the How to Research Guide in
PowerPoint Format
Step 1: Identify and Develop your Topic.
Summary- Use books, journal articles and websites from your discipline to find interesting and relevant concepts that you want to explore further. Talk to professors to discover current issues and new research in your field. Consider the multiple perspectives on your topic.
Wolfgram Library Research Pages:
Choosing a Topic
Developing a Search Strategy
Step 2: Search the Online Catalog (WebPAC) and Online Databases to Find Resources on your Topic.
A- Library Online Catalog (WebPAC)
Summary- Use WebPAC, the Widener University Library Catalog, to find books on your topic that are available in the library. WebPAC also lists the journal titles, videotapes, DVDs and CDs that the library owns.
Wolfgram Library Research Pages:
B- Online Databases
Summary- Wolfgram Memorial Library subscribes to many electronic scholarly databases. These sources allow you to search for articles about your topic. Many databases enable you to obtain the full text of the article.
- Click on Databases by Title to obtain a list of the databases that you can access at Wolfgram Memorial Library. (Click here for instructions on accessing the databases from off-campus.)
- Click on Research by Subject Area and choose your discipline to find the most useful databases for your field.
Wolfgram Library Research Pages:
Finding Journal Titles in the Online Catalog (WebPAC)
Additional Resources:
- Finding Book Reviews in Academic Search Premier (PDF)
- Finding Book Reviews in ProQuest Central (PDF)
- Searching Digital Dissertations (PDF)
- Making Google Scholar Work for You (PDF)
- Preferred Terms for Life Stages/Age Groups (PDF)
- Finding Videos/DVDs in the Wolfgram Library (PDF)
- Legislation Finding Aid (PDF)
Step 3: Find Internet Resources
Summary - The Internet is a vast, unregulated, unscreened source. You can find useful information, but you must evaluate all the resources that you retrieve.
- Click on Find Articles
- Then select Research by Subject Area to find useful scholarly web sites in your discipline.
Wolfgram Library Research Pages:
What Web Search Engine Won't Find
Summary – Wolfgram Memorial Library has copies of all style manuals behind the reference desk. These print sources include accurate and up-to-date examples for all types of sources that you may encounter. The take home guides provide concise overviews of the APA and MLA styles, including useful examples.
Wolfgram Library Research Pages:
Style Manuals at the Wofgram Memorial Library
To obtain additional assistance:
- Come to the Reference Desk for personal instruction.
Reference Desk Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 noon – 7:00 pm
