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Library Research Guides

ENGWR 300 - Professor Youngs (Fall 2020): Getting Started

Why Use the Database on This Page?

Why Use the Database on This Page?

  • The database on this page is great for providing you with background information that will help you get familiar with a topic.

How to Use the Database on This Page?

  • Start by watching the Gale eBooks database video below, and then practice applying what you learned as you search for relevant resources.
  • Use 1-3 keywords that are related to your topic to see what kind of background information you can discover.  Here's what that looks like with a practice topic:

TOPIC: What impact did Dorothea Lange's "Migrant Mother" have on American policy during the Depression? 

Good: "migrant mother"

Good: "migrant mother" lange

Not so good: impact "migrant mother" policy depression

NOTE: Consider using a search like the one above in OneSearch

TIP: The asterisk * will bring back multiple results (e.g. happ* = happy AND happiness)

Isaiah West Taber

Hetch Hetchy Valley: high mountain peaks border fertile valley with river flowing through

Title: Hetch Hetchy Valley
Photographer: Isaiah West Taber

Use Gale eBooks to search for background information on the following topics:

  • "hetch hetchy valley"
  • "Raker Act"
  • water rights "san francisco"
  • "national park service" 

NOTE:  The asterisk (*) will produce results that include the root word (e.g. criti* = critique, criticism, criticisms, etc.)

How to Use the Preliminary Research Databases - Videos

Dorothea Lange

Distressed depression era woman seated with pair of children leaning against her, looking away from the camera

Title: Migrant Mother, Nipomo, California
Photographer: Dorothea Lange

Use Gale eBooks to search for background information on the photographer:

  • "dorothea lange" 

Use a search like this in Gale eBooks to search for background information on topics related to the photograph including:

  • the new deal
  • "dust bowl"

 

Gale eBooks Database

Lewis W. Hine

Sadie Pfeiffer, child laborer, working large cotton machinery in 1908

Title: Sadie Pfeiffer, Spinner in Cotton Mill, North Carolina
Photographer: Lewis W. Hine

Use Gale eBooks to search for background information on the photographer:

  • "lewis hine"

Use a search like this in Gale eBooks to search for background information on topics related to the photograph including:

  • child labor 1900s
  • child labor laws