Spanish Research Guide
Background Information
Start By Defining
Your Topic
Identify the main concepts
in your topic, phrase them as keywords and try to think of synonyms
for your keywords. Use Boolean logic to
formulate an effective search strategy. Try using this search
strategy worksheet to plan your search.
Check the "help" or "search
tips" screens of the database(s) you are using to see which Boolean
operators can be used.
If you need help, ask
at the Reference Desk, 2nd Floor, Library, or log on to Ask
a Librarian.
Get Background Information
Once you have identified
the main topic and keywords for your research, you may want to find
one or more sources of background information to read. These sources
will help you understand the broader context of your research and
tell you in general terms what is known about your topic.
For background information
on your subject, you can consult reference books (eg. dictionaries,
directories, handbooks), usually located on the 2nd Floor, Reference,
or in the stacks as "Non-Circ."
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