These will be your top resource for finding information for your project.
The list of databases are available here (or by navigating to the "Databases & Other Resources" tab at the top of the page).
Research tip: If you are still early in the research process, start with the "general topics" databases before moving onto specialty databases.
Use boolean operators, intitle and inurl searching, and quotation marks to narrow down your search results.
Preferred website domains:
.edu
.org
.gov
.mil
Google Scholar is a good place to look for academic articles.
Try searching the CHS library catalog to find library books on your topic. You may need to try searching multiple keywords before you find a good match. Ask Ms. Anderson if you need help!
Your public library may have good resources, as well. Search the catalogs here:
Currency - When was it published? The source should be as current as possible.
Relevancy - Is the information credible, on-topic, and presented at an appropriate reading level?
Authority - Who is the creator/publisher? Are they qualified to write on this topic? Does the URL reveal anything about the source?
Accuracy - Is the information supported by evidence and verifiable through other sources? Are references listed?
Purpose - What is the purpose of the information (i.e. to teach, to sell a product, to entertain)? Are biases detectable?
You will be using MLA 9 to format your paper and create citations.
Use NoodleTools to create citations. Use Ms. Anderson's MLA 9 cheat sheet and the Purdue OWL to double check your citations for accuracy.
Visit the Purdue OWL website for further citation questions and help formatting your paper.
Using someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own without giving proper credit is plagiarism. It is THE most serious offense in academia and can have severe consequences.
Examples of plagiarism:
Copying and pasting an excerpt of a website into your paper without citing it.
Copying from someone else's paper.
Reusing any part of a past assignment without instructor permission and proper citation.
Failing to properly cite a source you referenced.
Using a paraphrase generator.
Tips to avoid plagiarism:
Keep track of your sources.
Recognize the difference between quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing (and cite accordingly).
Manage your time well.
Make use of NoodleTools, the Purdue OWL, and your friendly neighborhood librarian for help.