Instructions
Follow this link to make a copy of the Keyword Brainstorming Worksheet.
Follow the prompts on the worksheet to help you think of search terms and strategies for your research topic.
Find Peer-Reviewed Articles
Use your keywords to search a database for peer reviewed sources related to your topic. Remember, most databases will have a filter for "Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals" or "Academic Journals." Choose at least one source you would like to explore in more detail and save the citation and/or permalink.
Find Books in the Library Catalog
You can also use your keywords to search for books in the library catalog. Follow the link below to the catalog search, then click "Advanced Search" to enter multiple search terms. If you find a book you would like to read, save the title, location, and call number to find it in the library.
How to Save Sources
How to save sources from library databases:
DO NOT bookmark the library record or copy and paste the link from your URL bar. These links expire and you will not be able to access the source through them.
Look for database options like: Save, E-mail, Cite, and/or Permalink. In some databases, they are on the right side of the screen when you are looking at an article summary. In other databases, they will appear at the top of the page. Always use one of these options to save your source. They will bring you back to the library record for the source. You should also make a note of the title and author. These will help you find the article again if you forget to save it.
In most databases, you can also download a complete PDF of the article.
CrossSearch
ProQuest
JSTOR
