This document provides guidance on conducting research using library databases. It outlines the key steps which are to determine which databases and sources are needed based on one's research topic, organize the topic and related concepts and terminology, construct search statements using keywords, variables, and phrases alone or in combination, search more than one database as subject terms may differ, and properly cite any sources using APA or MLA style guides. Assistance is available from the library for selecting the right database or with any other questions that arise before frustration sets in.

1. Sociology
430
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2. Library
uses
BEACH ID.
ALWAYS SIGN IN!

3. Research
TOPIC.
What kinds of information do you need?
Determine which databases and information sources you need

4. Organize
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Remember synonyms, related concepts,
and terminology specific to a database

5. Pick: a few terms to mix and match
Translate: your topic into keywords or segments
Research
TOPIC.

6. Connect
use these to create search statements
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7. Use this to connect
different variables. For
example:
brexit and economics
and

8. Use this to search for either
term. For example:
EU or european union
or

9. Use this to look for root endings.
For example:
glob* looks for global, globalism,
globalization

10. cUse this to search for
phrases. For example:
“gender inequality”

11. Constructing your
search
connect your variables
Latin America and Consumption
culture and identity and gender
Vaccination* and social and inequality

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13. Ethnic Groups
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Not every database uses the same terms

14. •
•
•

15. Choose the one that covers your topic
Databases by Subject
Always search at least two

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17. FULL TEXT
PDF
BEACHREACH
GETTING THE
FULL TEXT.
GET IT
@CSULB

20. We deliver it to you via link in your email

21. APA and MLA Styles
USE: Owl Purdue Writing Guides
Citing
SOURCES.
Son of Citation Machine

22. Ctrl+ T
Creates paragraphs
with hanging indents
in Microsoft Word.

23. Research Recap
• Pick the correct database
• Match your terminology to the
database
• Search more than one database
• Keep track of your citations
• Contact me for help BEFORE you
get frustrated!

24. Tiffini Travis
tiffini.travis@csulb.edu