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Library Research Guides

ENGWR 300 - Professor Barkley (Fall 2023): Getting Started

Databases for Background Research

NOTE:  To login to library resources, you will need your eServices username (w+student ID) and password. 

Gale eBooks is a great databases to start with to gather some background information on your topic and/or as you decide on a topic.  

The most effective way to use this particular databases is to begin with 1-3 keywords.  

EXAMPLE TOPIC: Happiness is based on one's quality of life and living a life that is meaningful.  

Good search: happiness

Good search: happ*quality of life

Not so good search: happiness quality of life living meaningful

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

If you are unfamiliar with the research process or want to brush up on your skills, check out the Library's Canvas Research Tutorials. The modules on What is Research and Getting Started with Research are great places to start! Each of these tutorials will take 15-30 minutes to complete.

Gale eBooks

Getting Started Encyclopedia Articles

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