Search Tips

Always try to use the following basic research steps below when engaging in research. Generally, to search for information resources in the Edmund Stanley Library you will need to:

• Check Library of Congress Subject Headings, dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc., for keywords or topic summaries to help you define your search.
• Check out FriendLiCat to see if the library owns or subscribes to any materials relevant to your topic.
• Check 'Subject' Web pages for indexes and catalogs specific to your search area.
• Check 'General' (on navigation bar) Web page for general subject coverage full-text and reference databases.
• Check 'Resources' Web page for complete listing (over 120 databases) of all proprietary online resources.
• If you locate a resource you need and we do not own or subscribe to you can still request resources via inter-library loan.

The Basic Research Steps

1. Task Definition
   • 1.1 Define the information problem
   • 1.2 Identify information needed in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem)
2. Information Seeking Strategies
   • 2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)
   • 2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)
3. Location and Access
   • 3.1 Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
   • 3.2 Find information within sources
4. Use of Information
   • 4.1 Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch) the information in a source
   • 4.2 Extract relevant information from a source
5. Synthesis
   • 5.1 Organize information from multiple sources
   • 5.2 Present the information
6. Evaluation
   • 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness)
   • 6.2 Judge the information problem-solving process (efficiency)

Check out other Help pages for more help or email questions to askmax@friends.edu.