aics SECONDARY Research
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AICS Secondary Library Research
Our library is a research center.
Need help with a homework assignment or class project that requires research?
We're here to help!
Ask a teacher librarian how to get started or read about some helpful tools for each step of the research process below.
Get to know the AICS Academic Integrity Policy.
Students and staff are required to follow the AICS Academic Integrity Policy for all research. A teacher librarian can help!
New to research? Before you get started with your research project, you might want to review how to prepare for and conduct research.
Try one of these research guides: Britannica Ready for Research (MYP, DP, CP) | JSTOR Research Basics (MYP5, DP, CP)
Ready to get started? See how the AICS Library suite of research tools can help you below.
Research Project
Step 1—Set Up Your Project with NoodleTools
Set up your project in NoodleTools as soon as you start to make your research easier. Create to-do lists, notecards, outlines, and works cited lists in MLA format. Upload documents associated with your project to keep everything in one place.
Log in with your school Gmail account.
Research Project
Step 2—Consult Britannica School
Britannica School is a great starting point for any research project. Get step-by-step instructions on how to conduct research in "Britannica's Research Guide for Learners. Gain an initial understanding of your topic and build keyword vocabulary to continue your research. Use the citation tool to copy and paste MLA citations into your NoodleTools project.
Log in with your school Gmail account.
Research Project
Step 3—Find Books in the Library Collection
All Students
Use keywords to find books in the library. Save the books you need for future reference.
Find something useful? Visit the apps page, download the NoodleTools Companion app, and scan the book into your NoodleTools project!
Find ebooks and audiobooks, both fiction and nonfiction, to support your research.
The Public Library of Amsterdam (OBA) offers free memberships to students and staff.
Your free OBA membership also gives you instant access to OBA's ebook and audiobook collection.
The Vrije Universiteit library allows guests to purchase temporary access to their collection and services. Ask a librarian for more information.
The Universiteit van Amsterdam library has an extensive collection of resources. Our library team can help you learn more about their services and access.
MYP5—DP2
Need a book but can't find it anywhere? WorldCat connects more than 10,000 libraries worldwide. Search for a specific title and find out which libraries in your region have the book in their collection. You may be able to consult the book onsite or request an interlibrary loan. Ask your librarian for a demonstration.
Research Project
Step 4—Find Articles Online
EBSCO
(export to NoodleTools)
Find magazine, newspaper, and journal articles, with dedicated sections for Science, History, Literature, and Ebooks.
JSTOR Secondary
(export to NoodleTools)
AICS South Students:
Use Google Login
"JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines."
Google Scholar
(copy/paste citation)
Google Scholar only provides search results related to scholarly research.
Project Muse
(copy/paste citation)
This open source database provides access to articles in the humanities and social sciences.
Find out what JSTOR has to offer, including access to primary sources, in this short video.
Want to see how Google Scholar works? Check out this brief tutorial video from YouTuber Tom Nicholas.
Watch this short video to learn how to conduct a search in the MUSE Humanities and Social Sciences database.
TIP! Using advanced search techniques, such as Boolean Operators and Modifiers, can help you to narrow down your search results in a research database. Check out the Boolean Search Technique libguide from University of North Carolina teacher librarian, Craig Toth, for a brief, easy-to-understand explanation of these powerful search techniques.
Research Project
Step 5—Format Your Project with MLA9
MLA9 is the official formatting and style guide for all projects and research papers written at AICS. The MLA Style Center offers sample papers written in MLA9 format and guidance on how to format citations for specific source types. Not sure what it means to use MLA9 formatting to write a paper? Watch the video* for a quick introduction.
POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
Download the MLA9 PowerPoint that was used to train DP/CP students on how to format and cite using MLA9.
MLA9 TEMPLATES FOR AICS STUDENTS
We've done some of the work for you! Download these templates to get started using the proper MLA9 formatting for your assignments. Please note that the DP Extended Essay and the CP Reflective Project have specific requirements and require a separate template.
*This video was produced for students of a specific college in the United States. Please ignore references to that college's web site. AICS Library will produce its own instructional video soon.