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Researching Databases

I will be at the ULM Library on Sunday afternoon between 2:00 and 4:00 to help you with research. The main online resource we'll use online databases, specifically JSTOR, Literature Resource Center, and Literary Resource Center. These databases are accessed through the library's homepage. However, you must either be in the library itself or have access through an ID to search the databases, as they are subscription-based (video tutorial on remote access).

Follow these steps:
  1. Go to the ULM Library site
  2. Click on "databases by subject" (bottom left)
  3. Start with one of the databases mentioned above, but all of these are useful
  4. LOG IN using your student ID (skip this step if in the library)
  5. search using keywords (keep it simple and specific - try synonyms)
  6. once you are viewing a list of articles, view by PDF is possible
  7. read the first paragraph or so to see if it's relevant - if not, go back
  8. if relevant, print or save the file - since you are viewing the PDF or HTML version of this source, you can save it on a USB flashdrive (if you don't have one, then save to the desktop and email to yourself)
  9. finally, and most importantly, READ THE SOURCE and HIGHLIGHT important information as it pertains to your topic!
  10. We'll talk about integrating sources into your paper this week in class

In addition, because sometimes more recent sources are needed, please also search using Google or comparable search engine. Remember our basic criteria for evaluating online sources:
  • Source - Where is it published?
  • Author - Who wrote it?
  • Date - When was it written?
  • Purpose - Why was it written?
Everyone needs to bring sources to class tomorrow - at least one that you found via a search engine, and at least one (two for honors) from one of the databases at ULM (or Ouachita Parish LIbrary). Please staple each source and bring the whole source, not just a couple of pages. DO NOT wait until tomorrow morning to print everything.

See you in class, or at the library today!

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