Library Resources
Hi, everyone! I am so happy to be serving as your library liaison!!
Think of me as your research partner... I can assist you with finding articles, developing a research topic, citing sources... you name it!
If you ever want to meet with me for specialized research assistance, you can schedule a research appointment. The JWU librarians and I are available for research appointments in-person, over the phone, and online. We would be more than happy to help you!
Meika Matook | mmatook@jwu.edu| 401-598-5113
Which library databases should you use?
My recommendations:
- Academic Search Complete
- Provides full-text, scholarly articles for a range of disciplinary subjects.
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context (GALE)
- Provides a variety of sources that focus on dynamic, controversial topics.
- CQ Researcher Online (SAGE)
- Provides in-depth coverage of important issues such as social trends, the economy, health, etc.
- JSTOR Arts & Sciences XI Collection
- Provides a multitude of full text, scholarly articles that cover a range of academic subjects.
How to Start a Search:
Step 1: Think about your research topic/question
Step 2: Extract the main keywords/concepts
Step 3: Input each of the words into the search lines. Click 'Search'!
- Example Research Question: How does social media affect mental health?
- Search Terms: Social Media (and) Mental Health
Bonus Step: Select search limiters (left side of screen)
- Full Text
- Scholarly/Peer Reviewed
Your search page will look similar to this! ....
Narrowing a Search / Preventing Information Overload
improve your results by adding another term to your search
Pro Tip 1:
- Use the Database Thesaurus. Click "subject thesaurus," then click "show more"
- It provides an extensive list of terms/themes that relate to your main topic.
- Once you select a term, it will automatically be added to your search.
Pro Tip 2:
- Read the "subjects" terms listed under each result.
- Make a list of the keywords that relate to your research. You can individually input them as search terms.
Your search page will look similar to this! ....
MLA Basics
- In-text Citations: (Author's last name and the page number). Period after the in-text citation.
- Example: “There is a significant relationship between auditors’ assessments of the relevance and reliability of reported information and their attitudes to creative accounting” (Ionescu 161).
- Need more help? Click here!
- General paper format:
- Times New Roman
- 1-inch margins
- double spaced
- indent each new paragraph
- Need more help? Click here!
- Works Cited page:
- last page
- double spaced
- citations listed in alphabetical order
- hanging indents
- appropriate citation format for each source type (i.e. book vs. article)
- Need more help? Click here!
- How to Cite an Interview!
The JWU Writing Lab is open for online appointments.
Whether you're just getting started or need final editing advice, writing coaches are super kind and trained to help you at any stage of the writing process.
Top Tips for Working with the Writing Lab:
- Book an appointment by phone: 401-598-1785
- Book an appointment online via USucceed: In jwulink, click Academics tab, Academic Support Services.
For 24/7 free online revision feedback, submit your paper to Smarthinking. Look for the link in jwuLink, under the Academics tab, under Academic Support Services.
