Is this your first time doing research? Just follow these eight steps.
make sure you understand the assignment
clearly state your topic
think about the search words you will use
select the library research databases you will use
search for and select your sources
collect the citations for your MLA Works Cited
take notes from your sources
create your presentation
Biography.com is a website that I recommend - but we need to make sure Christina will allow it. :)
It is easy to use. You can print out your article so that you can read it and make notes. It will also help you cite!
The purpose of this research guide is to help students in Christina Momono's ESL 6 class find credible and academic information sources.
SEARCH TIP
Start your research by writing down search words that describe the elements of your topic. For example, when researching language learning you might try using these words:
Search example: "Nelson Mandela" AND biography
LIBRARY RESEARCH DATABASES - able to create MLA citations automatically
Reference Books (including encyclopedias) - concise, general background information; articles often written by experts who are university professors
Books
Periodicals - magazines, newspapers, scholarly journals
Images
Britannica Academic - Encyclopedia Britannica, plus a dictionary, thesaurus, world atlas, magazine and journal articles, images, and a guide to the Web's best sites. Includes a listen to feature. Cites images for you! (Great for Biographies too!)
Not finding what you need?
Feeling frustrated?
Need help?
Then it’s probably time to ask a librarian for some help.
Contact me directly using the links in my profile. Email me or schedule an appointment.
SCC Librarians are also available for in-person help at the Library Reference Desk.
Monday - Friday 7:15 am - 3:30 pm.
If you need immediate help, contact a librarian at any time using our online chat service.
(Evenings and weekends you may be chatting with a librarian from another college. Ask for an SCC librarian to contact you for follow-up if needed.)