Doing Research
With The Library Web Site
(Part 2)
In the previous part, we have outlined the basics of using the Internet as the point of access to sources of information that are, in themselves, the topic of your research. In this second part, we will discuss how you can use Internet tools to find professional information or articles in peer-reviewed publications. In that case, the information you find is the product of scientific research, that is, obtained through the use of systematic procedures that guarantee the validity and reliability of the information. Your Internet Research Project may require that you build your work around professional sources on any given topic. In that case, you will have to conduct a search through different electronic indexes and database to find these sources and articles. Most of them work by keywords and subject search, which makes your life easier if you know exactly what topic you are going to work on.
To help you in that search, the Library Web Site has a special page on how to conduct your search, specifically designed for Sociology. The materials you find may be available in the library. If not, you have the option of requesting them through interlibrary loan.
Animation courtesy of http://www.powerup.com.au/~hoile
In addition to these tools, if you are really at a loss as to how to conduct your search, we are lucky enough to have a librarian attached to the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. Diana Fitzwater is our extremely devoted and competent librarian. The use of electronic databases and indexes is no secret to her. You can get in touch with Diana through her webpage.
In addition, the Library regularly offers workshops specific to conducting research over the Internet and evaluating information. These workshops are free and flexible in their format.
Again, the Library Web Site is a great tool for any sort of research projects you may be required to design, use your bookmark these essential pages of the Web Site:
Copyright © 2001 College of DuPage
Department of Sociology, Health, Social & Behavioral Sciences Division, IC 1028 (630) 942 2495
monnier@cdnet.cod.edu
Updated January 4 2003
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