This document provides guidance on researching American drama for a term paper by outlining steps like searching subject specific databases to create an annotated bibliography, examining key authors and sources, and evaluating references in articles through footnote chasing to continue expanding one's research. It also lists several relevant databases and resources for exploring this topic as well as contact information for a reference librarian available for assistance.

1. American Drama
EH- 440/ 540

2.  Students will list subject specific databases in order to
begin annotated bibliography.
 Students will construct annotated bibliography in
order to demonstrate research and subject matter
competencies.
 Students will examine and evaluate annotated
bibliography in order to complete term paper.
Learning Outcomes

3.  Search Tips
 Research as a process
 The information
 Research Activity
 Start your research
 Contact information
Outline

4.  Search what you know.
 Use what you have.
 Ask questions and then ask more questions.
 Use these questions to refine your search terms.
 Search with the main ideas (Keywords).
Searching

5.  Have you ever found an article that was perfect?
 Wish you had more just like it? With a little research
you will.
 Footnote chasing is the act of finding citations and
references in your current article and using these
articles for your research.
Searching

6. Chase those Footnotes

8.  Research the authors.
 This will help you understand their characters.
 Take notes on who they are and where they came
from.
 Incorporate this into your research.
Know the authors

9.  Consult the index.
 Take notes or photocopy key areas.
 Use this foundation for further searching.
 Build on knowledge of time period, location, and
environment for research or performance.
Foundation

10. Books , Journals & ILL
 Library Catalog: http://www.uah.edu/library
 Journals: Find Journals by titles or Subject
 ILL: http://libguides.uah.edu/ill

11. Specific Databases
 MLA International Bibliography
 Contemporary Authors
 Project Muse
 JStor
 Literature Resources from Gale
 Proquest Literature & Language

12.  Chose a database and do a simple keyword search on
your topic.
 Share with neighbor on what worked and what didn’t
 Share with class on search strategies!
Chose one!

14. Contact Information
 Call us: (256)824-6529
 Text us: (256) 286-2368
 Chat with us: http://libanswers.uah.edu/
 https://twitter.com/uahlibrary
 https://www.facebook.com/uahlibrary
 Seth Porter: Instructional & Reference Librarian
 256.824.6130
 smp0024@uah.edu