Research Guide for Sociology 159 LG
Sociology of Queer Communities
Fall 2007

Basic Introduction to library research

Start with a research question

Topic Overview

Encyclopedias and Dictionaries are good places to begin to give you an overview of your topic. Moreover, these sources can provide you with a basic introduction of specific terminologies related to the topics that interest you. These sources often contain additional list of sources. The printed reference guides that are located by the main reference desk and science engineering reference desk contain titles of reference materials. Here is a sample list of reference materials. Some of these can be checked out if they are not located in the reference collection

Building your Search Terms

From your research question compile a list of search terms or keywords that you will need to search for articles, books, and other library materials.

Keywords are terms that best describe your topic.

Example:

Research topic: How do queer, urban (youth) women of color experience coming out?

Keywords: queer, women, __________________________.

Finding Articles

Now that you have a list of search terms you will need to choose the appropriate database to use. Often choosing the best databases determine the success of your research quest. The list of databases is available from the Article Indexes & Databases. I recommend to begin your research with the following databases:

There are a few simple steps to follow for you to get the journal articles or books that you want. First, you need to find the articles using the relevant database. Then, you will need to search the library catalog to determines if our library owns the journal or book. Furthermore the catalog record will tell you if the journal is available in print, electronic or not available. You will need the Call number and location for the journal and book in order to find it in the library.

Sample Search in the database Expanded Academic
Use the Keyword search to find articles on your topic The "*" asterisk symbol is called a truncation symbol that enables you to retrieve words like woman, women, womyn, etc.

Note: Instructions to access these databases from off campus, is available at Off-Campus Access to Research Databases.

Finding Books and Journals

The UCSB catalog, Pegasus will contain the call number and location of the items you need. Furthermore it will indicate if it is available or "checked out" For example:

Bibliographic Citation

Once you have all your sources you will need to arrange them according to the required format style (e.g. MLA, APA, etc). The following link contains a list of citation reference manuals. Links to additional references and citation manuals

Finally: To Get More HELP!
Ask for help when you need it. You will find a reference librarian at the Davidson Library main reference desk the following times: Sunday 1pm-9pm; Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm; Friday 9am-5pm; Saturday 1pm-5pm.
Gay Colmenar / colmenar@library.ucsb.edu

(updated 16/10/07)