This is an engraving from Utopia
by Thomas More published in 1516
N.N., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Feeling frustrated?
Not finding what you need?
Having trouble using the library databases?
Not sure which search words to use?
Then it’s probably time to ask a librarian for some help.
Tim Aman, Reference Services Librarian
tim.aman@scc.spokane.edu
If you need immediate help, contact a librarian any time using our online chat service.
The purpose of this research guide is to help students in Janelle Cordero's ENGL 102 class find credible and academic information sources on utopias/dystopias and themes related to the readings. Here are some core library research databases that will be helpful for most topics. Ask a librarian if you have trouble selecting the best databases for your particular topic.
Scholarly Encyclopedias - concise, general background information; articles often written by experts who are university professors
Periodicals - magazines, newspapers, scholarly journals
Controversial Topics
Books
Other Specialized Databases - here are some examples of specialized databases that you may find useful depending on your topic
Other Databases on the Open Web - these aren't library databases but they do contain extensive and credible information
Note: Evaluating information can be more complicated than answering these simple questions. If you need help thinking through the evaluation process, ask a librarian or your instructor.
Try limiting your Google search to a particular domain (such as .edu or .gov which are restricted domains). You may find more reliable information. Here are a couple of search examples:
"climate change" site:.edu
"human organs" animals site:.gov