Course Number: LL200Subject: Library Choose keywordsFormulate a research question in order to focus your ideas about the topic. Please see our video tutorial on developing an effective research questionWrite down the different concepts used in this question (“frankenstein” AND “film”)For each concept, think of similar terms that you might also use (“film” OR “movies”)TIP: Find additional clues for terms in the titles and abstracts of books and articlesFind booksSearch Laurier’s Omni library catalogue for books on your topic.You can start with broad keywords (e.g. “frankenstein”) and then narrow down your results by clicking on one of the links on the "Modify your search" sectionFor example, you can click on the term “monsters in literature”You can also limit your results to the Waterloo campus and/or books published within a specific time frame (e.g. works published after 1999)TIP: For additional books on a topic, click on the title of a book that looks pertinent, and then click on the subject link(s) for that book (under “details”)Find articlesThere are databases for every subject area; they contain articles on topics within these areasThe following databases are useful for your essay topics:MLA International Bibliography (for articles on Literature)Film Studies @ ProQuest (for articles on Film)Historical Abstracts (for articles on European History)JSTOR (for articles on Fine Arts and Architecture)Many of our interdisciplinary databases are well-suited to this course. See for example:ProQuest DatabasesEBSCOhost DatabasesScholars Portal JournalsTo find scholarly articles, look for the “peer-reviewed” option in the databases. (What is a peer-reviewed article?)Find primary sourcesClick on the advanced search link. Type in keywords that represent different aspects of your topic (each term in a different box). In a separate box, type the term that is most appropriate: “sources,” “correspondence,” “documents,” “diaries,” “interviews,” or “speeches.” Change the drop-down option from “any” to “in the subject”Visit News Archives for links to our historical newspapers. You can find news articles about European culture from:a British perspective by searching for articles from The Timesan American perspective by searching for articles in The New York Timesa Canadian perspective by searching for articles in The Globe and MailThe library also owns digitized resources via online databases. See the tab to primary sources in the History subject guideType the name of a historical figure (e.g. Hitler) into our library catalogue, and change the drop-down option from “full record” to “author” in order to find anything written by this personToo many search results?If you get too many search results, use narrower search terms (e.g. “silent films” instead of “films”)Try adding more concepts to your search. Adding more terms that are linked by “AND” will decrease your number of search resultsToo few search results?Think in terms of broader categories (“films” rather than “silent films”)Add alternate terms for each concept (“films” OR “movies”). Adding more terms that are linked by “OR” will increase your number of search resultsTIP: Look at the bibliographies of the most pertinent books and articles on your topic. One author can lead you to others in the fieldNeed assistance with writing the paper?Book an appointment with Laurier Brantford's Centre for Student SuccessCreate the bibliographyVisit our help page on citing sources for links to APA, MLA, and other style guidesSee our short video tutorials on when to cite and how to citeNeed help with research?Don’t hesitate to contact me (Pauline Dewan); I am here to help you.Email pdewan@wlu.ca. I can email or call you backCall 519 756-8228 ext 5529. (If you are on campus, just dial 5529)Visit the information desk at the Waterloo library (just inside the front door)Instant message us by clicking on “Ask Us” (from the homepage of the Laurier Library)Please note: The Library is committed to providing programs, events and services that are accessible to all. Please contact us if you require accommodation due to a disability. Â