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Library Research Guides

ENGWR 300 - Professor Blunk (Summer 2024): Getting Started

What Should I Do on This Page?

Watch each of the database videos below, and that practice applying what you learned as you explore each of the databases.  Use 1-3 keywords that are related to your topic to see what kind of background information you can discover.

How to Use the Preliminary Research Databases - Videos

Databases for Preliminary & Contextual Research

The following databases are great resources to start with to gather some background information on your topic.  

TIP: The most effective way to use these particular databases is to begin with 1-3 keywords.  So here are some examples I pulled from the Topic Choices worksheet Professor Blunk provided for your Argumentative Essay:

TOPICS: Barbie dolls should/should not be allowed to be marketed to children.

Good: barbie doll market*

Not so good: barbie dolls allow marketing child*

TOPICS:  Fashion designers and clothing distributors should/should not be required to meet and maintain standardized sizing in order to avoid vanity sizing. 

Good: vanity sizing

Not so good: fashion designers clothing distributors standardized sizing

TIP: The asterisk * will bring back multiple results (e.g. child* = child AND children)