Choose a topic for your term paper. Outline the main ideas/concepts.
Identify synonyms and related terms:
Examples: for AIDS try HIV or acquired immune deficiency syndrome;
euthanasia: try assisted suicide; right to die; or mercy killing
Remember to narrow a broad topic such as drugs or abortion. You may want
to add a second term to limit your topic.
Examples: drugs and legislation; abortion and ethics.
2. Find background information
Look up your topic in an encyclopedia. Check for references/citations in
the bibliography at the end of each article.
Consult your textbook or ask a librarian to help you find reference
materials for additional background information.
3. Use the online catalog to find books or videos
Use the RU catalog (http://www2.roosevelt.edu/library/search_books.htm) to find
books on your topic.
If Roosevelt does not own the title(s) you want, check I-Share (http://i-share.carli.illinois.edu/uc) to check the
CARLI
database for holdings in 64 other Illinois academic libraries.
4. Use periodical databases to locate articles
Is your topic popular or scholarly in its scope? Be sure to choose the
appropriate resources before you begin your research.
Use periodical indexes to find articles on your topic. Some
general-purpose databases that provide coverage of many subject areas are
Academic Search Premier; Academic OneFile; and Periodical Abstracts
(http://www2.roosevelt.edu/library/newsite/databases_A_to_Z.htm).
The Library has also arranged periodical indexes by subject (http://www2.roosevelt.edu/library/newsite/databases_subject.htm).
Remember to put your topic in searchable terms that the database will
understand. Identify your key terms and use operators such as and to
narrow a topic; or to broaden a topic. Example: cloning and ethics, not
ethics of cloning.
5. Evaluate what you find
Evaluate the information you have found on your topic. Think critically and
consider the following:
Authority
Who is the author? Is the page signed?
Is the author an expert? what are his/her credentials?
Is there a link to information about the author or sponsor of the
information?
Accuracy
Is the information reliable and error-free?
Does someone verify the information?
Remember: anyone can publish anything on the web
Objectivity
Is there evidence of bias?
What are the goals of the author/sponsor?
Is the information designed to sway your opinion? Does the page contain
advertising?
Currency
Is the page dated? When was it last updated?
How current are the links?
Coverage
Is the information in-depth? How complete is the information?
Does the page provide information not found elsewhere?
What topics are covered?
Is the information free, or is there a fee to obtain it?
Remember: Web coverage is often different from print coverage.
6. Cite what you find
Cite the information you plan to use for your research paper. Format the
references/citations in your bibliography using a standard format such as
MLA; APA; Turabian or Chicago style. A librarian can help you find and use
these resources.
Be sure to check with a librarian when you have questions about research
or using library materials. Additional resources can be found at the
Roosevelt University Library website at
http://www2.roosevelt.edu/library/default.asp
RU
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