Dalton Research Launch Page 2026

Here's a link to your research assignment. 

Tips for Staying Organized:

• Create a folder in Google Drive specifically for this research assignment as a place to save everything you find during your research process including the articles, citations, and permalinks/stable URLs. 

• Create a Google Doc with a running list of your citations and permalinks/stable URLs  (look for chain link symbol). Do not copy the URL address from your search bar at the top, as these will not work. The only time it is appropriate to use the URL at the top of your screen is when you are using a general website (not a database article).

• Additionally, upload PDF copies of your articles to your Google folder, so you will have them handy for annotation. 

• Every time you find a useful resource, you will save three things:

  1. the article itself (PDF format using the print menu/or right click  and upload to your folder)

  2. the permalink (look for the chainlink symbol)

  3. the citation in MLA format (easily generated for you in the database)

VHHS Subscription Databases:

• American History Infobase: Click here and then click “American History Infobase” to access. This database focuses on historical topics and sources. If you are off campus, you will need to use the login info below.

• Username: vhhs

• Password: rebels

• The “Topic Centers” on the right has a wealth of information. It could be worth using.

• Use the print option (right click to access) to save the file as a PDF and upload the file to your Google folder.

• Bloom's Literature: Click here and then click “Bloom’s Literature” to access. This database is centered around authors and literary resources. If you are off campus, you will need to use the login info below.

  • Username: vhhs

  • Password: rebels 

  • The "Reference" tab will be helpful in learning more about the author's background.

  • Use the print option (right click to access) to save the file as a PDF and upload the file to your Google folder.

Alabama Virtual Library:

•  Avl.lib.al.us

• Choose the High School tab

• If you aren't intimidated by large search results, use the yellow search bar at the top. Once you get your search results, here are some tips:

  • Make sure you click on "all filters" and check the box that says "at my library." Otherwise, you might get search results that you won't be able to access.

  • Filter by source type: news and magazines are written for the general public and will be easy to read and understand. Hit "apply filters."

  • Once you open an article, you might have to click a dropdown menu that says "Access options" and click a separate link to view the full text or PDF.

• If you are in a Gale database, be sure to review at the "More like this" section on the right of the screen.

• If in an EBSCO database, double check the article has saved correctly.  You might need to use the print option to save as a PDF and upload the file to your Google Drive as a file upload. Be sure to rename the file, and move it to your research folder.

• If you prefer a more specific search, we recommend the following databases:

  • History Reference Center (for history topics)

  • Alabama Mosaic (Alabama topics)

  • Encyclopedia of Alabama (Alabama topics)

  • Explora for High Schools (general topics; better for overview/background info.)

  • Gale General Onefile (general topics; better for overview/background info.)

  • Teaching Books (a wealth of resources about books/authors)

Ebooks/Books Using Destiny                                                                                                  

• You can access the entire library collection using the Destiny Discover app in Classlink, which is found in the VHCS folder on the top left of your toolbar.  Use your regular school login to access Classlink.

• Search the library’s print and digital collection using the magnifying glass in the top right corner.

• Search tip: Use just keywords when you search; don’t add prepositions or conjunctions

  •  Example: “women 1920s” NOT “women in the 1920s”

• Print books will have a green “in” icon over them if they are available. Note the call number and ask a librarian to help you find the copy. Ebooks will have a white “e” icon over the title.

• If you want to search within an ebook, use the magnifying glass on the left side of the ebook. 

• Ebooks sometimes glitch when saving to your Google Drive. Instead, pretend like you are going to print the chapter you want, but select “Save as PDF.” Then, upload to your drive as a file upload.

Google Searches

• Your teacher has a list of suggested and preapproved websites divided by topic area.  Click here to access. You can also use other websites as long as they are teacher approved and properly evaluated.

• When searching online, you need to be cautious of the source of the information. Be sure to pay attention to the about section of an organization or look up information about the author to determine if it is an official and credible source.   

• You can search by domain using these basic commands:

  • Search Google using site:.gov and then any keywords to search exclusively information attached to the government-whether local, state or national

  • Search Google using site:.edu and then any keywords  to search information attached to higher institutions of learning.  Make sure that your source is from a researcher and is not student work.  It is recommended to research the background of the author to make sure there are no controversies attached to the individual that might disqualify him/her as a reputable source.

  • Search Google using site:.org and then any keywords  Be sure to get any .org source approved by your teacher. Some organizations push their own agenda, and it might be useful to follow the sources that they cite. Also, not all organizations are considered legitimate. If you are doing the Olympic sport paper, consider looking for your sport's official organization's website.  

• Using a Google search? See this document to help maximize your search options with tips.

Additional Research Tips:

• Use the "Find" shortcut (Control F on a chromebook), to skim long passages for keywords. 

• In order to evaluate a source's usefulness, ask yourself two questions as you skim:  

  • Is this source relevant to my research question?  

  • Is this a credible source for this project? 

  • Remember to determine the relevance before the credibility because no matter how credible a source is, if it's not relevant to your research question, it's useless to you for your writing purposes.

  • Use the highlight/annotation tools for note-taking while reading; highlight at least one quote or paragraph that inspired the save to your drive.

• You are better having too much rather than not enough when it comes to resources, so plan for a few extra resources. It's also good advice to keep the types of resources varied (ex. journal articles, books, etc.)

Cite your sources and check your MLA format:

• All articles/eBooks from our library resources come with an MLA citation. Use it!

• If you have to cite a text by hand, use the Google Docs Citation Generator:

  • Use the Tools menu and select citation choosing the style guide MLA. 

  • Fill in the information you have and click add citation source.  Your citation list will save and appear in your doc sidebar.

  • Another great resource for MLA citations is Purdue University's online writing lab, OWL Purdue.

  • MLA Format is more than just citations. Watch this quick tutorial to make sure your final paper is perfectly formatted.

  • Make sure your sources have a hanging indent on your Works Cited page. Watch this quick tutorial or follow these instructions:

    • Make sure all of your citations are in alphabetical order.

    • Highlight all your citations.

    • Go to "Format" on the toolbar at the top.

    • Click "align and indent" -> "indentation options" -> "special indent" -> "hanging indent"