Northeastern State University Libraries

Why 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

  Information can be shared in a variety of formats and examples are as follows:

Books Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance Ref. HF 5381.E52	Shows trends, gives history of topic, provides definitions, theories	Online Catalog
Journals	Covers current research on scholarly topics	Academic Search Premier
Magazines	Report on popular topics, news	Masterfile Premier
Newspapers	Report on popular topics, news	Newspaper Source, NewsBank Newsfile
Government Publications	Publications on all topics prepared by federal and state agencies.	Marcive Web Docs Occupational Outlook Handbook
Audio Visual	Graphic representation of topic	Online Catalog
Internet	Provides quick, full text information, especially on current topics.	Career Journal Job Star Central, Internet Public Library What Can I do with this Major?
Interviews	Provides a personal account of a topic	In person or through e-mail

Locating Internet resources

Internet Search Engines Available

Some (hopefully) reliable approaches to finding good Web sources:

The Internet Public Library
Librarians' Index to the Internet
JVL NSU Subject Listing of Web Resources

Critically assessing sources

1. Identify authors who are outstanding in their fields, determine the credentials of the author. Does the author have a degree in the field, is the author a professor?
2. Date of publication--is it recent? On Web pages, do the links work?
3. Does the publisher have a good reputation? Is it published by a professional association or university press? Is the journal refereed? On Web pages, check the domain (.edu is educational, .gov is government, .com is commercial, .net is network, .org is organizational)
4. How was the resource received by the critics?
5. Completeness of the material. Does the source have an index, bibliography?
6. Is the language slanted or biased?
7. Does it include well known facts or research studies? Is the information complete, accurate, objective?
8. What is the purpose of the resource?  Is it for the general public, children, scholars? Is the goal to market persuade, educate?

 Am I done yet?

Have you tried, books, magazines, journals, newspapers, government publications, Internet sources, interviews, audio visuals? If not, you aren't done!

How do I cite sources using M.L.A. style?

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.  Also, try the MLA Web site.

How do I find these library resources through the Web?

Many of the resources listed above are available throug 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