Research as Inquiry

Once you have located and scoured Background Sources, you need to move on to finding resources to dig deeper into your topic and get more specific with your research. In order to find these resources, it is imperative to understand the library’s systems and catalog to find the desired sources efficiently and easily.

The library features a discovery tool that searches our catalog (and beyond) to find sources related to your search. To understand how to use this tool, please watch the video. This tool shows you books, articles, videos, and other resources available to you as a student at Georgetown College.

Outside of library tools, you can perform Internet searches to fine websites that can provide other information, just be sure to master the skills discussed in the Evaluating Resources section of this module to ensure you are using the best sources possible.

Another valuable skill to cultivate when searching for resources is Citation Mining. Other scholars and researchers have been where you are and had to start from somewhere too. In doing so, they have already done a lot of the work that you are starting, so use their shoulders to reach greater heights. Search bibliographies, works cited, and notes to find sources that may be advantageous to you. To find out more, watch the short video to the right on Citation Mining.