This document provides guidance on navigating research databases and the research process. It outlines the typical 4-5 step research process as 1) picking a topic, 2) determining where to search, 3) developing search strategies, 4) finding relevant articles, and 5) writing the paper. It also describes some key academic databases for multi-subject research and tips for accessing full-text articles not available directly, including using Mason Links, journal finders, the library catalog, and interlibrary loan. Basic search techniques are covered, such as using Boolean operators and excluding common words.

1. Navigating the research Databases UNIV 106

2. What are the 4 steps in the Research Process? 1. Pick a topic 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Write the paper

3. What are the 4 steps in the Research Process? Pick a topic Where to search (databases) How to search (keywords) How to get it (find the article) Is what I’ve got any good Write the paper

4. Pros & Cons of Research Databases

7. Getting the Article… Step 1: Is the article available full-text in the database? No. Then follow these steps. Step 2: Mason Link Step 3: Go to the E-Journal Finder if no Mason Link Step 4: Mason Library Catalog Step 5:WRLC Consortium Loan Service Step 6:Interlibrary Loan (ILL)

8. HKANDR R HK Basic Search Concepts: Connecting Your Search Terms Hurricane Katrina AND rebuilding *Do Not Use:an, for, in, of, the, with *Other search options

9. Let’s try searching… Start at library homepage http://library.gmu.edu Click on Research Databases Choose the category Basic Topics Choose Academic Search Complete from list Follow along with the librarian’s search example