Research is a Conversation: Joining the Research Party
Information Creation is a Process
Information in any format is produced to convey a message and is shared via a selected delivery method. The iterative processes of researching, creating, revising, and disseminating information vary, and the resulting product reflects these differences
Searching is Strategic
Locating information requires a combination of inquiry, discovery, and serendipity. There is no one size fits all source to find the needed information. Information discovery is nonlinear and iterative, requiring the use of a broad range of information sources and flexibility to pursue alternate avenues as new understanding is developed.
- Learning goals: Select an appropriate search tool based on discipline and task at hand.
- Construct a search based on keywords and use basic search strategies
- Condense or expand as necessary using search string and facets.
- Remain persistent!
Better than Wikipedia for Definitions & Brief History
Proquest is great for newspapers, business and a good start for general article search. You may need to go beyond Proquest.
In the Beginning- Starting Your Research - These are often good sources for defining the topic or giving you ideas that help in focusing the scope of your research. Wikipedia may be used for defining and focusing but not all the articles are of equal quality.
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Introductions to energy, the environment, legal, medical conditions or diseases, social issues and mental health issues.
- Health Topics Medlineplus. National Library of MedicineNational Library of Medicine provides links to organizations with specialized pages on health issues. Provides links to overviews, diagnosis, current research, journal articles and clinical trials.
- USA.govSearches the broadest range of documents published by the federal government.
- Stanford Encyclopedia of PhilosophyScholarly free online encyclopedia.
- Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Good for science the social sciences. - ProQuest This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Good for a wide range of subjects, special emphasis on trade and industry and newspapers including the Spokesman-Review. - ERIC This link opens in a new windowGreat place to search for education topics but not all articles are full-text in the database. Articles not available full-text in ERIC may be available full-text in other SFCC databases. Check Journals A to Z on the Articles & Databases page or ask a librarian.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Humanities and some social science not useful for very current research. Most articles are at least five years old. Access to full text journal articles dating back centuries. USE ADVANCED SEARCH.
- Google ScholarUse setting to select Spokane Falls library so you may link directly to SFCC articles.
- EBSCO eBook Collection This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
Mainly university press publications. There are many scholarly books for specialized interests however business, self-help and literary fiction is also included.
Specialized Search Guides
- Local Research - Spokane & Washington State.Research on local topics requires using specific local newspapers and local or regional organizations and government resources.
- Career ResearchFinding out the requirements and prospects for most occupations
Dig Deeper than Google or Bing
Scholarly Subject Search Engines
- Science.govFind information from all the agencies dealing with science with one search.
- U.S. Department of EducationData and laws may be useful for education research. Don't forget the ERIC database for articles on education and school administration.
- Environmental ResourcesNational and local resources for environmental information
- National Institute of Mental HealthCovers Anxiety Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, ADD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (Pervasive Developmental Disorders) and more.
- Think Tank Studies.Think tanks are institutions affiliated with universities, governments, advocacy groups, foundations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that generate public policy research, analysis, and activity. Think tanks vary in purpose and political viewpoint but most studies are recognized as well researched. Conclusions from research vary with philosophical assumptions of the organization.
Some searches yield an abundance of news articles. You may need to dig through to find hidden gems. - USA. GOV Government DocumentsFederal government information
- DocutickerDifficult to find gray literature from think tanks and government agencies and
eBooks
Encyclopedia of Adult Development
Call Number: Online eBook
Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology by Publication Date: 2004eBook available through CREDO Reference. Click on image to access.
Research Help
Contact Options
Our professional librarians are available to help you with using any of the library's electronic resources. Please contact us if you require assistance.
 |
In Person SFCC, building 2. |
 |
By Email ReferenceDesk.SFCC@sfcc.spokane.edu |
 |
By Phone 509.533.3834 or 1.800.251.1972 |
 |
By Chat Ask Us 24/7! |