Online Resources
The internet offers many free resources for research.
Be careful as you choose resources because not all free resources are authoritative.
When in doubt, use the DATABASES first.
La Mesa offers a variety of subscription databases for student and faculty use. These databases offer authoritative information on a variety of topics and some multi-media material.
General Databases
Encyclopedias
Teacher Resources
Use PRE-SCREENED resources second
The publishers of pre-screened resources from a project binder or Sweet Search have been checked for authority. You still need multiple sources to check for reliability and currency of information.
Use OUTSIDE resources last
Once you have a solid understanding of the basics of your subject, move to outside resources to gain additional details. Remember, you have to check the authority, reliability, accuracy, and currency of outside sources.
Finally, don't forget to CITE your sources
Use an online citation tool, then you are less likely to make mistakes!
