1. To begin, take a close look at the instructions provided by your instructor.
- Are you required to use library resources over the "free" web?
If so, begin your research in One Search, which searches almost all of the PC Library databases at once. - Are you being asked to use certain types (formats) of references?
Sometimes instructors will request you use a book or scholarly article as one of your references. In One Search, you can limit your search results with the facets on the left-hand side. - Can you only use current references in your paper?
One Search, along with all of our library databases, allows you to limit by publication date.
2. If you don't know much about the topic of your paper, reference sources such as encyclopedias can be helpful. Try searching in Gale eBooks, Oxford Reference, or Salem Press.
3. You could also begin by searching on your research topic in a specific PC Library database. Use Databases by Subject to find the database that best fits with the topic of your paper.
4. Meet with a librarian! Sometimes, the best way to begin is to talk it out with a librarian. Chat with us through Ask a Librarian 24/7, stop by the reference desk, or make an appointment with a research coach.