A vital component of any research project is finding high-quality, relevant sources. With so much information available online and in libraries, locating appropriate sources can feel overwhelming. However, understanding where to look and how to search effectively allows you to streamline the process and access the materials you need.

Let’s look at the three main avenues for finding sources: 

  • research databases
  • library resources
  • other online sources 

We’ll provide tips and strategies to help you navigate each option efficiently and build a strong foundation for your research.

Research Databases

Research databases are online collections of scholarly materials, including journal articles, books, conference proceedings, and more. These databases are often subscription-based and accessible through your university or public library.

Some popular research databases include:

  • JSTOR: A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources across various disciplines.
  • Google Scholar: A free search engine that indexes scholarly literature from publishers, universities, and other websites.
  • EBSCOhost: A comprehensive platform offering access to numerous databases and publications in numerous subject areas.
  • ProQuest: A database aggregator providing access to dissertations, theses, newspapers, and other research content.

To effectively search research databases, consider the following tips:

  • Use advanced search options to refine your query by date range, subject area, publication type, and other criteria.
  • Combine keywords with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to narrow or broaden your search results.
  • Explore the thesaurus or subject terms provided by the database to find relevant keywords and controlled vocabulary.
  • Take advantage of citation tracking and related article suggestions to uncover additional sources on your topic.
  • If you’re having trouble finding relevant results, consult a librarian or your professor for guidance on specialized databases or search strategies.

Library Resources

While online databases are invaluable, don’t overlook the resources available at your university or local library. Librarians are experts at navigating library collections and can provide personalized assistance in locating sources for your research.

In addition to books and journals, libraries often offer access to:

  • Specialized databases and archives
  • Government publications and reports
  • Microform collections (e.g., historical newspapers, manuscripts)
  • Interlibrary loan services for materials not held locally

To make the most of your library’s resources, consider the following tips:

  • You can search the library’s online catalog or discovery system to locate books, journals, and other materials related to your topic.
  • Consult subject guides or research guides created by librarians for specific disciplines or areas of study.
  • Attend library workshops or consultations to learn effective search strategies and discover lesser-known resources.
  • Explore the library’s special collections or archives, which may house unique primary sources or rare materials relevant to your research.

Other Online Sources

While scholarly databases and library collections should be your primary sources for academic research, the Internet can also provide valuable information. However, it’s crucial to evaluate online sources critically and prioritize those from reputable, authoritative sources.

Some potentially useful online sources include:

  • Government websites (e.g., data.gov, census.gov)
  • Organizational or institutional websites (e.g., WHO, UNESCO)
  • Digital archives and collections (e.g., Internet Archive, HathiTrust)
  • Preprint servers or repositories for unpublished research (e.g., arXiv, bioRxiv)

When using online sources, consider the following tips:

  • Evaluate the source’s credibility by considering the author’s expertise, the website’s purpose, and the information’s accuracy and objectivity.
  • Cross-reference information with other reliable sources to verify its validity.
  • Use advanced search techniques like site-specific or file-type filters to narrow your results and find more relevant content.
  • Be cautious of sources that lack citations, references, or clear authorship, as these may be less reliable.