Where Do I Start?

CONTENTS:
In what research database should I start?
How do I do research?

In What Research Database Should I Start Research?

1. Choose a "General" or "All Subjects" database that covers all topics in a single database. Good databases in which to start your research are the following:

1. Credo Reference -- Search Credo

   Encyclopedia articles provide good starting points for research by providing overviews of topics. Credo provides access to articles from numerous specialized encyclopedias and covers a wide range of subjects.

2. Academic Search Premier -- Search Academic Search Premier

   Academic Search Premier (an Ebscohost database) is a good starting point for finding current information in magazine/journal articles. It provides the citation and abstract (article summary) for every article and also includes the full text for many of the articles.

3. Library Catalog -- Search the Library Catalog

   This database provided by the SD Library Network provides access to online books, plus descriptions and locations of print books, videos, CDs, DVDs, etc. in the Mundt Library or in other libraries in South Dakota

2. For help selecting a different database,

1. See the list of research databases arranged by Subject or Type of Resource. It provides descriptions of the databases that will help in selecting ones that match the research problem.

2. Still confused or unsure what research database(s) to use? Ask a Librarian for help!

How Do I Do Research?

1. For video tutorials on how to do research using Mundt Library resources, watch these videos. Written for DSU students, the tutorials explain basic concepts and provide instructions for using information services and databases to search for information on the Mundt Library web site.

2. To begin searching immediately, use the direct links to information services and databases found in the "Database QuickLinks" dropdown on the upper right corner of the Library Homepage.

3. Still confused or unsure about how to do research? Ask a Librarian for help!

4. More On Getting Started

   Links to additional research help may be found on the Tutorials & Tipsheets page.