Try different keywords. Some databases use the term blacks, while others may use African American or Afro-American. Try combining terms using the available default search fields
Some databases are "full text" databases -- most or all of the articles in these databases will be available online -- no need to make photocopies!
Please ask if you aren't finding what you're looking for! There are many other databases available.

STEP #1: When you first start a search, identify relevant concepts to your search.
STEP #2: From these concepts, identify relevant keywords that can be used in a search. Consider both broad and narrow terms
STEP #3: Combine these terms logically in a database, catalog or search engine to retrieve relevant results.

Library Catalog (SAGE) - Finding Books

Start by checking the Library’s Catalog SAGE.

To track down a book, you will need to note this information. Example:

LOCATION	CALL #	STATUS
MORGAN	PR4662.A2 H35 1956	AVAILABLE

If the status is…

You should…

AVAILABLE

Or CHECK SHELVES

Check the shelf—Click on the location (ex. MORGAN) to see where that call number is located in our library.

LIB USE ONLY

This material can only be used in the library. It will be part of a special collection, such as the Reference Collection --Click on the location (ex. REFERENCE) to see where that collection is located in our library

MISSING

Or DUE + date

This material is unavailable at the moment. Check for another item to suit your needs.

If the location is…

You should…

STORAGE ACCESS
VET or ATMOS

This material is located outside of the building. Check for another item to suit your needs.

To browse the library collection for additional books, check the E185 call numbers located 3rd floor West.

Databases - Finding Magazine, Journal and Newspaper Articles

1. Choose a DATABASE The databases listed to the right are a good place to start your research.		Academic Search Premier : Popular and academic journals. Lexis/Nexis Academic Search : Contains extensive newspaper coverage. CQ Researcher : Comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news. Ethnic News Watch : Newspaper articles from minority and ethnic newspapers Black Thought and Culture : Includes the non-fiction published works of leading African Americans.
2. Search the database Each database has unique search features. Ask a librarian for help if you want to learn more.		Keywords: Start by making a list of words that you can use for your topic. Try to think of narrower, broader, and related words. Advanced Searching: If you hunt around, you can usually find where a database will allow you to refine your search (e.g. limiting by date) or to search in different ways (by author, title). Plus you should try techniques like truncation (*) and Boolean searching (AND, OR, NOT) to make the most of each search.
3. Interpret the article info		Identify: Author, “Title of the Article.” Journal/Magazine Title volume number, issue number (date): pages.
4. Locate the article Be sure to keep track of the information you need to write your bibliography.		Full text: The article is available right there online. FindIt: If there is a FindIt button, click it to find information about article availability. Journal Room/ Movable Shelves: Check SAGE to find out if we have a subscription to the journal, & where the volume is located.
5. Ask a Librarian They can help you find what you need and can save you valuable time.		Information Desk Staff and the Librarians are ready, willing and able to help. Ask away!

Web and Subject Links

African American Resources from Johns Hopkins
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
Smithsonian Institution - African American History and Culture

Tips on Searching the Web

You can limit your search by where a page originated.

Check the Advanced Searching features of the search engine.

Examples:

Consider the “owner”—what is the bias?

.gov = government
.edu = educational
.com = commercial
.org = organization
.net = site set up by internet company
.uk,.nz,.jp = international sites

Search several search engines.
See lib.colostate.edu/find/websearch.html for a list of other search engines.

Make your search strategy more effective

“put quotes around phrases”
+required -excluded
Search with more than one word
Use ADVANCED searching options
Some will allow searching by file type:
.pdf, .mp3, .wmv, .doc, .xls, .ppt

Things To Consider When Evaluating a Website

Purpose: Why was the webpage created?			Audience: To whom is the webpage directed?
Objectivity: Is there a bias?			Currency: When was the info last updated?
Coverage: Are you getting an overview, or in depth information?			Authority: Who is the author of the webpage? What are their qualifications?
Accuracy: Have the facts been checked by an editor? Is there a bibliography?			Owner: Who is the owner/sponsor of the webpage? Is there advertising? Any bias?
For more information: http://lib.colostate.edu/howto/evalweb.html