Starting the research process -- Searching your library discovery system or catalog -- Searching subject-specific databases -- Searching the Internet -- Finding reviews -- Using contextual primary sources -- Finding background information -- Managing sources and creating your bibliography -- Guides to research in English and American literature -- Appendix: Selective Bibliography of Sources for English and American Literature -- Glossary.
Summary:
What makes a good research topic in a literature class? What does your professor mean by "peer-reviewed" sources? What should you do if you can't find enough material? This approachable guide walks students through the process of research in literary studies, providing them with tools for responding successfully to course assignments. Written by two experienced librarians, the guide introduces the resources available through college and university libraries and explains how to access the sources a student needs. It focuses on research in literature, identifying relevant databases and research guides and explaining different types of sources and the role each plays in researching and writing about a literary text. But it contains helpful information for any student researcher, describing strategies for searching the Web to find the most useful material and offering guidance on organizing research and documenting sources with MLA style.--Publisher website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.