English 202 Spring 2004 - Research Writing
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Browsing for Conversations
 
Before delving deeply into a research project, it can be useful to get a "feel" for the ongoing conversations: issues, interests, and debates that others have been engaged in.  An individual's research may rarely start a new conversation; normally it involves making a contribution by extending or questioning something in an ongoing line of discussion.

Below are some links that may be useful to you early in your research process; browse and consider the different perspectives held on your topic. (We'll spend some time shortly developing a more specific research plan.)

 

Web Browsing

Broad Search - www.google.com
(enter keyword)

Area Search - google groups
(narrow to subject type, eg.: news, education, science)

Advanced Search - google
(eg. limit to non-profit organization websites, government, or school-based websites)

 

Local* Browsing

IUP Library Catalog (Books)

IUP Library Databases (Indexes and electronic journal subscriptions especially academic or scholarly sources)**

IUP Government Publications

(* Please note that PALCI offers easy access to useful books held at other libraries; don't be discouraged if you come across a title that we don't own locally.)

(**Searching with databases can be tricky, since the choice of search terms and the coverage or "scope" of the database effect your results. Ask for help!)

 

Directories and Guides

 Alternative Press Directory | PA-Media (Pavisnet) |Internet Public Library | Open Directory Project |

Other Search Engines

Yahoo | Altavista | Teoma | Profusion

 
Courses | Sherwood |IUP English | IUP
Last Updated: 09 December, 2008