Objective: By the end of this session, each student will locate 2-3 articles to use for their research assignment.

Using Online Databases to Access Research Resources

Today, you will...

1. Choose/narrow your topic;

2. Identify databases appropriate to topic;

3. Develop keywords for search;

4. Select database and set parameters;

5. Conduct search;

6. Review results, print/save articles (with citations); and

7. Refine keywords and parameters and repeat steps 4-6 using a different database.

Step 1: Choose/Narrow Your Topic

Class: Economics

Topic: Emerging Markets and Renewable Energy

For this assignment, what do you need to know?

How are renewable energies impacting economic development in an emerging market?

Identify the country on which you will focus. What are your options?

Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa

Step 2: Identify Databases Appropriate to Your Topic

There are two ways to access the databases:

1) by subject

Step 2: Identify Databases Appropriate to Your Topic (cont.)

2) in alphabeticalorder, with

a description

Step 2: Identify Databases Appropriate to Your Topic (cont.)

Here are some possible sources for your research:

Academic Search Complete (EBSCO)

Gale

JSTOR

ProQuest

This is a critical step to limiting the number of results and locating articles related to your topic.

This assignment has three keyword groupings:

1) Name of country ---> e.g., Brazil

2) Renewable energy OR ...

3) Economic development OR …

Step 3: Develop Keywords for Your Search

Step 4: Set Parameters for Your SearchStep 5: Conduct Search

Only articles after January 1, 2013. Full-text articles only.

Each database is a little different; you can set other parameters based on the specific database. We will use Academic Search Complete/EBSCO as an example.

Step 6: Review Results, Print/Save Articles (with Citations)

Caldeira-Pires, A., Da Luz, S. M., Palma-Rojas, S., Oliveira Rodrigues, T., Chaves Silverio, V., Vilela, F., & ... Maria Alves, A. (2013). Sustainability of the Biorefinery Industry for Fuel Production. Energies (19961073), 6(1), 329-350. doi:10.3390/en6010329

Include DOI or URL

Step 7: Refine Keywords & Parameters and Repeat Steps 4-6 Using a Different Database

Continue until you have 3 articles that will support your research efforts.

Ask for individual assistance as needed.

Additional ResourcesTo receive an e-mail with the links presented today, include your e-

mail address on the sign-in sheet.

Remote Access

Use your student ID and password to access HWC Library resources—including databases—when you are off campus.

Purdue Online Writing Lab

An online guide to formatting papers and citing sources in APA (American Psychological Association) Style.

Questions?

Call the library: (312) 553-5760 or contact us via e-mail using the contact form on the library home page.

Presentation (for demonstration purposes only) by:Megan Murray Cusick, MLISmcusick@xxxxxx.xxxAugust 21, 2015