Sheridan College Libraries

For many students, searching for information in the library can be a time-consuming, frustrating process. But, it doesn't have to be so. A basic research strategy can make you an efficient and successful library user. This strategy can be adapted to almost any subject.

Finding Background Information

Once you have chosen your topic, the first step in your research should be to find background information. Background reading provides not only a concise and authoritative overview of your topic, it also can help you focus your topic or shift your attention to an aspect of that topic which is new to you. Importantly, background materials often provide a bibliography or list of other sources for further reading. While encyclopedias are usually discouraged as only and/or final resources, they are excellent sources of background information.

Experienced researchers know that it is more efficient to include this step. With a fuller understanding of your subject, you will expand your vocabulary of relevant terminology and search terms. And, with a bibliography of recommended sources in hand, you will be prepared to find pertinent materials in your library.

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Finding Books

Once you have completed some background reading and focused your topic, you are ready to start your actual research. You can start by identifying books and/or articles potentially useful to you in writing your paper. You may have some titles already from your background reading. To find out what books the Sheridan College Griffith Memorial Library has on your topic, search the WYLDCAT on the Web online library catalog.

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Finding Journal Articles

Journal articles provide up-to-date, recent information. You should emphasize the use of articles on your working bibliography if your topic is scientific (science information appears first in journals, much later in books) or if your topic is on a current event. The use of articles in researching most subjects will ensure the inclusion of current facts or theories.

The Sheridan College Library gives you access to several periodical databases in both paper and online formats. These databases provide full-text capability, as well as options for saving or emailing the article(s) to retain the information in electronic format. If the article is not full-text, you may find the journal or magazine in which it was printed in the library periodical collection.

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Finding Other Information in Your Library

There are many specialized reference books and databases to provide additional facts, statistics, literary criticism or reviews. If you need more information than what you can find from background reading, books or journals, please ask a librarian for guidance.

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Obtaining Information from Other Libraries

You may discover that your library does not own every book or journal on your working bibliography. Most libraries can obtain these materials by borrowing them from another library. This service is called "Interlibrary Loan" (ILL). You should submit ILL requests about 5-10 days before you need the material. You can request material which is not available in Sheridan College Griffith Memorial Library through WYLDCAT on the Web or through the online ILL form.

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Writing the Paper

If you have questions about organizing your paper, formatting footnotes, or compiling a final bibliography, check one of the following style guides. See our online electronic citation page for electronic citation information. Be aware that some professors, departments or programs may require that you use a particular style guide.

Gibaldi, J. (6th ed.) (2003). MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations. N.Y.: Modern Language Association of America.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed.). (2001). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

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