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4. Know What Types of Sources You Need to Find

1. Select a Topic 2. Find Background Information 3. Identify Search Terms 4. Know What Types of Sources You Need to Find 5. Search for Sources of Information 6. Evaluate Your Sources 7. Cite Your Sources

Before you begin searching for information, read your assignment description so that you will know what types of sources your instructor requires for the research paper. Keep in mind that to argue intelligently about a topic, it is important to use differing viewpoints from a variety of reliable sources. Typical sources include encyclopedias, books, periodical articles, government documents, and the Internet. Some sources are scholarly (e.g., articles published in Journal of the American Medical Association) and have undergone rigorous peer-review while others (articles published in Time, National Geographic)) have not. How to find books and periodical articles and books: Types of Sources Library Resource to Search Periodical Articles Search an online periodical index or database . A database called Academic Search Complete is a good place to start. Books (including reference and ebooks) Search the Library Catalog   Get More Information about Sources and How to Find Them. Get More Information about Scholarly and Non-Scholarly Periodicals.