Home > Libraries > Wolfgram Memorial Library > Need Help? > How to do Research  

How to do 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.
 

You can download the How to Do Research guide in
PowerPoint Presentation Form here


________________________________________________________________________

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 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 Research Pages:

How to Find Books

Reading Call Numbers

What is a Primary Source?

Interlibrary Loan

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.
 

_______________________________________________________________________

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 Research by Subject Area to find useful scholarly web sites in your discipline.

Wolfgram Research Pages:

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluate Web Pages Tutorial

What Web Search Engine Won't Find
______________________________________________________________________

Step 4: Cite What you 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 electronic guide provides a concise overview of the APA and MLA styles, including useful examples.

Wolfgram Research Pages:

Citing Your Sources

Print Style Manuals

How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography

________________________________________________________________________
To obtain additional assistance:

Ask a Librarian for any help with your research.

Email the Reference Desk at: reference@mail.widener.edu

Call the Reference Desk at (610) 499-4073.

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