Inquiry

Initial Searching

Where are some good places to start, especially if you don't know anything (or very little) about your topic?

Reference works are good sources for background information, quick facts, overview of subject, and fine tuning your topic.

  • General online databases

  • Textbooks and other introductory materials

  • General Encyclopedias, Dictionaries

  • Subject Encyclopedias


You can use the Library's General Search to look for reference materials. Try searching using a word like dictionary, encyclopedia, or handbook, plus a word or two that describes your topic (i.e, searching Civil War Encyclopedia).

Review the bibliographies included in reference sources and consider them as new sources. Keep track of any questions that come to mind as you do your initial readings.

  • General Search
    Use general search to find dictionaries and encyclopedias through the library.

How do I start searching?

You might find it useful to jot down a few words that describe your initial project, and then search using those words.

Here's a helpful hint: Databases don't understand questions! (They're just not as smart as you are!) In most cases when you're using a library database, the more words you use,

the fewer sources you'll find. Instead of "What are the problems with student debt?" you'll need to search something like “student debt" to find articles about that topic.

Good Places to Start Searching

Need to find background information about your topic? Not sure where to start?

Find Articles

Find Reports on Issues & Topics

  • Gale Opposing Viewpoints
    Summarizes current issues and controversies in political, economic, social and scientific topics.

  • Times Topics
    A thorough collection of topics from the 'New York Times.' Each topic includes news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published.

  • AllSides
    Non-partisan, crowd-sourced technology shows all sides so you can decide.

  • ProCon.org
    ProCon.org is a non-profit public charity. They research controversial and important issues, and present them in a balanced, comprehensive, straightforward, and primarily pro-con format.

  • Pew Research Center
    Nonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.

Get Started with Your Searching!

Reflect with Peers

Talk it over. Tell your roommate or some other willing victim what you're working on.


Visit the EHS LIBRARY LIBGUIDES FOR THE RESEARCH PROCESS (see below)