Librarian
Research Worksheets
- ResearchWorksheet-Keywords&SearchStringsUse this worksheet to help you brainstorm keywords, come up with possible search strings, and keep track of potential sources.
- Research Handout - Getting StartedA worksheet guiding you through the topic development process of your research and getting you started searching for sources through library databases using keywords.
CQ Almanac and CQ Researcher are two of the best resources to give your research some focus. Use them to search or browse information on American government, current affairs, history, politics, and public policy.
- CQ Almanac with Archives This link opens in a new windowAuthoritative analysis on the major legislation and actions of Congress. Access is from 1945-present.
- CQ Researcher plus Archive This link opens in a new windowDetailed reports on important public policy and social issues, for example women's health, education, public financing, etc.
Other Places to Start Your Research
Search OneSearch
OneSearch searches the majority of Trinity's databases and is an excellent starting place to get a feel for the information available on your topic through Trinity's database collection. You can use OneSearch to find physical books, ebooks, articles, and more! Just enter your keywords and start searching! Ask a librarian if you get stuck.
Search Google Scholar
Google Scholar is another good place to start your research because it casts a wide net and searches a huge number of resources. Something important to note, though, is that we do not have access to everything Google Scholar finds. So, if you use Google Scholar and find a resource we don't have access to, make sure you leave plenty of time to request the resource through interlibrary loan.
Other Databases to Start Your Research
If you're struggling to find information related to your topic using OneSearch or Google Scholar you can also try searching the databases below. Be aware that these databases cast a significantly smaller net, so you will find fewer resources in total, but they may be more targeted towards your specific question.
- JSTOR This link opens in a new windowArchive of past issues of scholarly journals from all areas of study. Includes full runs of covered journals, excluding content from the past 2-5 years. Includes full runs of covered journals. NOTE: Internet Explorer is no longer supported by JSTOR. See 'More Info' re: browser troubleshooting.
- PAIS Index This link opens in a new windowThis resource covers issues in the public debate through selective coverage of a wide variety of international sources including journal articles, books, government documents, statistical directories, grey literature, research reports, conference papers, web content, and more. PAIS International is the current file covering 1972 to present, and PAIS Archive includes the content from printed volumes published 1915-1976.