Subject Guides: Library Research 101: How to Get Started: Home

Do you need to do some research?

In college, students are frequently given assignments that require some form of research. Do you have an assignment that requires sources to back up your claims? Do you need to know more about a subject? This guide will help you learn how to do research effectively so that you can get those sources and do well on your assignments.

In this guide, you will find the following information:

If you have any questions, get in touch with a Librarian! We are happy to help you.

Why you should use the Library

List adapted from Navarro College Libraries.

What about Google?

There are times when Google is a completely acceptable tool for finding information. Librarians do still use Google- we just know when it will be the most effective.

When to use Google/ the Open Web:

To explore an unfamiliar topic and find background information;
To go to a specific website;
To find current government forms and data;
To find information about a unique or new topic;
To find multimedia materials;
To answer a quick question; and
To find information for personal use.

When to use Library Databases:

To find Journal Articles;
To find News Articles, both historical and current;
To find scientific data, methods, and protocols;
To find in-depth, factual information on complex topics; and
To find historic documents and archives for research.