There are many differences between academic research and the research you conducted in high school, both in the kinds of papers you are expected to write and the types of sources you are required to consult.
This module will introduce you to:
This module will introduce you to:
- Types of resources available throughout the information cycle
- Research conversations and the scholarly research process
- Academic literacy and the accessibility of scholarly information
There are several steps in the research process. Each builds on the other and when performed successfully results in a well researched and documented paper/project.
The image below demonstrates the various steps of research.
Academic Search Premier (all topics) from EBSCO 
Full-text articles in biology, chemistry, education, engineering, humanities, physics, psychology, religion and theology, sociology, etc. Tip: Click the check box to limit to Academic (Peer Reviewed) Journals.
ProQuest U.S. Newsstream
Search the most recent U.S. news content, plus archives back to the 1980s.
Ethnic NewsWatch
Articles from over 200 newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press. Provides in-depth coverage of a wide range of current and historical topics. Limit the Source Type to "Scholarly Journals" for peer-reviewed articles.
GenderWatch
Articles on topics like sexuality, religion, societal roles, feminism, masculinity, eating disorders, day care, and the workplace that support LGBT studies, family studies, gender studies, and women's studies with a unique interdisciplinary approach. Click the check box to limit results to "Peer-reviewed" for scholarly articles.
Full-text articles in biology, chemistry, education, engineering, humanities, physics, psychology, religion and theology, sociology, etc. Tip: Click the check box to limit to Academic (Peer Reviewed) Journals.
ProQuest U.S. Newsstream
Search the most recent U.S. news content, plus archives back to the 1980s.
Ethnic NewsWatch
Articles from over 200 newspapers, magazines and journals of the ethnic, minority and native press. Provides in-depth coverage of a wide range of current and historical topics. Limit the Source Type to "Scholarly Journals" for peer-reviewed articles.
GenderWatch
Articles on topics like sexuality, religion, societal roles, feminism, masculinity, eating disorders, day care, and the workplace that support LGBT studies, family studies, gender studies, and women's studies with a unique interdisciplinary approach. Click the check box to limit results to "Peer-reviewed" for scholarly articles.
Direct link: https://youtu.be/jaZUAHxSb9k
An interactive version of this chart is available here:
https://www.adfontesmedia.com/interactive-media-bias-chart/
AllSides
Examines current topics and issues through multiple news sources that represent different political viewpoints.
ProCon.org
Professionally-researched pro, con, and related information on more than 50 controversial issues.
Presenting Information Visually: Infographics Information on infographics and examples of infographics.
Building Maps and Locations
Using the Building
View instructions and get help with troubleshooting.
Student Study Rooms
Reserve student study rooms for group work, available on the second and third floors of the Library.
Equipment Check Out
VIsit the Circulation Desk to borrow digital cameras, camcorders, projectors, and other equipment.
Husky Fetch
Place a hold on the books you want using the Library’s Books and More catalog, and Husky Fetch will fetch them for you.
Write Place
Make an appointment with a writing tutor.
Student Study Rooms
Reserve student study rooms for group work, available on the second and third floors of the Library.
Equipment Check Out
VIsit the Circulation Desk to borrow digital cameras, camcorders, projectors, and other equipment.
Husky Fetch
Place a hold on the books you want using the Library’s Books and More catalog, and Husky Fetch will fetch them for you.
Write Place
Make an appointment with a writing tutor.
Credo Reference 
Provides online access to over 500 reference books (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, etc.) in all subject areas. This is the premier place to look up a quick fact or to search for background information on a research topic.
Research Tips and Tutorials
Tutorials and guides help you get started with your research, including how to find scholarly journals and utilize library resources and services.
Research Guides (By Subject or Course Number)
Guides for doing research in a particular subject area (Art, Education, Social Work, etc.) or for a specific course.
Find academic-level topics:
Provides online access to over 500 reference books (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, etc.) in all subject areas. This is the premier place to look up a quick fact or to search for background information on a research topic.
Research Tips and Tutorials
Tutorials and guides help you get started with your research, including how to find scholarly journals and utilize library resources and services.
Research Guides (By Subject or Course Number)
Guides for doing research in a particular subject area (Art, Education, Social Work, etc.) or for a specific course.
Find academic-level topics:
Points of View Reference Center
Presents multiple sides on current controversial topics. Each topic may include topical essays, supporting articles, primary source documents, images, and videos.
Presents multiple sides on current controversial topics. Each topic may include topical essays, supporting articles, primary source documents, images, and videos.
Since our physical book stacks are closed due to COVID-19, to borrow books or media, please use the links to book information from the library catalog and then use the Husky Fetch service. Simply place a hold on the books you want using the Library’s Books and More catalog, and Husky Fetch will fetch them for you. You will receive an email when your books are ready to be picked up at the Circulation Desk.
- Search under Books and More in LibSearch.
- If the item is Available at University Library, click on it
- Be sure to Sign in with your StarID
- Under Get It, click on Request
- Select a Not need after date and click Send Request
- Wait for an email from the Library
- Pick up your book at the Circulation Desk. Have your SCSU ID with you so you can check out the book.
When you write papers for your college classes, it is extremely important to cite your sources using a particular citation style. APA and MLA are examples of commonly used citation styles. Always ask your professor what style you should use.
Hint: Look for the Cite link when you're searching library databases. It will format the citation for you and you can copy and paste it into your bibliography but be sure to check it over for errors.
Hint: Look for the Cite link when you're searching library databases. It will format the citation for you and you can copy and paste it into your bibliography but be sure to check it over for errors.
For examples on how to format in-text citations and your bibliography/works cited page, choose one of the following guides:
Cite Sources in APA
Cite Sources in MLA
Creating an annotated bibliography: details on how to create an annotated bibliography
Robin Ewing
Professor, Research Librarian
MC 204F
(320) 308-2093
rlewing@stcloudstate.edu
Michael Gorman
Associate Professor, Research Librarian
MC 140F
(320) 308-2028
msgorman@stcloudstate.edu
Susan Hubbs
Professor, Research Librarian
MC 130C
(320) 308-4996
shubbs@stcloudstate.edu
Melissa Prescott
Professor, Diversity and Inclusion Librarian
MC 204E
(320) 308-4751
mkprescott@stcloudstate.edu
Jennifer Quinlan
Associate Professor, Student Success Librarian
MC 140G
(320) 308-5626
jmquinlan@stcloudstate.edu
