Northeastern State University Libraries

Why should I do research?

Research can lead to information; information can lead to knowledge, and knowledge is powerful. All of the informational resources available originated from someone being curious about something, exploring it, and sharing the findings.

 How is the NSU Library organized?                              

Maps
Library of Congress
Hours

General Concepts

When approaching a database, look for help screens for complete information on how to search it effectively.  Check for scope notes that identify the contents of the database.  Check for advanced search screens and see different ways that the search can be limited.  For instance, what dates and types of materials are included in the database? Can it be searched by full text and subject?  Can the search be limited by date, language or full text? Each database uses controlled subject headings that can be accessed through the online thesaurus. 

How do I Locate Information about Values, Conduct, and Meaning?

Journals:
Use some of the following subject headings  in Academic Search Premier:

Values= Values, Cultural values, dignity, family values (Concept), social values

Conduct= Conduct of life, altruism, caring, charity, contentment, courage, fairness, forgiveness, friendship, honor, human behavior, kindness, loyalty, patience, respect, sharing, sportsmanship, success, sympathy, and thoughtfulness.

Meaning= meaning (philosophy), meaning (psychology), and relevance.

Use the online thesaurus to find additional examples of potential subject headings.  When doing the search, subject headings can be combined.  For example, a search could be done on <values and careers>.

Books:
Use some of the same subject headings above in the Library Catalog.

How can I find Biographical/Critical Information about my Author or a Literary Work?

Example:  "Chopin's The Story of an Hour"

One approach to this assignment is to find criticism on a particular literary work and then find additional materials on a theme explored in the work, such as enlightenment and freedom in Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour. An effective database that provides biographical information about authors and information about literary works is MagillOnLiterature Plus.
There are several reference books available that provide a brief biographical overview to an author.  Examples of sources are listed below.
 American Authors, 1600-1900:  A Biographical Dictionary  Ref. PS 21.K8
 British Authors Before 1800 Ref. PR 105.K9
 British Authors of the Nineteenth Century   Ref. PR 451.K8 1936
*Dictionary of Literary Biography Ref. PN 451.D32
Twentieth Century Authors Ref. PN 771.K86

Additional reference books that contain biographies are available by using the Biography and Genealogy Master Index. Full-length biographies on authors can be found by using the  Library Catalog  and doing a subject search on the author's last name.

Journals may also contain biographical articles and articles about specific works. Try using the following databases:
Academic Search Premier,
The Humanities Index,
M.L.A. Bibliography. 

Another search strategy would be to search for articles about a particular story, such as Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour."  An effective search string would be <chopin and hour> in Academic Search Premier.  Another search could be done on <chopin and (values or meaning or conduct)>.

How do I Acquire Materials not Available at NSU?

While using an index, there may be references to materials not available at NSU.  These can be acquired by using Interlibrary Loan.  This is accessed by using the ILLiad system.

How do I Locate Internet Sources?

Try  the Internet Public Library, the Librarians' Internet Index, or the Library's Subject pages. For a generic search engine, try Google. 

Where can I Locate an M.L.A. Style Manual?

The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of Research Papers is located on the first floor at the call number, Ready Ref. LB 2369.G53 1999. Try the Modern Language Association Web page.

Are there any online tutorials that can help me?

Research Strategy -- Provides steps and concepts involving the research process.
Evaluation of URLs -- Provides criteria for evaluating the quality of websites.
Citations -- How to cite most common resources using MLA and APA and discussion of plagiarism and suggestions about how to avoid it.

How do I find these Library Resources through the Web?

Many of the resources listed above are available through the John Vaughan Library Home Page. Through the use of EZProxy software, these resources may be used from any location.

SophiaBeverley Threatt, MLS, MA
Instructor of Library Services
Languages and Literature and Communication, Art, & Theatre
Resource Coordinator
(918) 444-3267
threatt@nsuok.edu