Credo Reference Part 2-

Credo Reference has a wonderful feature called the "Topic Page" which is found with many (but not all) subject searches. The "Topic Page" offers a wealth of information in various media types with linking to articles as well.
Read more about topic pages.

Research Tip: Identifying and Selecting Research Resources

When a research paper is assigned, after choosing a topic, composing a thesis statement, and identifying keywords and phrases for searching, the next step is identifying good quality resources for your research. Following is a summary and descriptions of some common research resources:

Traditional Print Materials

· Books are a useful resource when comprehensive coverage of a topic is needed. A book is normally written by an expert in a given field and subject to verification and editing prior to publication. This greatly reduces or eliminates the need for the researcher to evaluate information for authority and accuracy. Be sure to check the publication date in cases where the currency of the information is important.

· Journals (trade or academic) may be the best choice when the most up-to-date information is needed. Journals are published at regular intervals and contain articles written by authorities in a specialized field. They report new research developments and provide scholarly discussion on a topic. Both books and journal articles contain bibliographies that the researcher can scan for more sources on a topic.

· Newspapers are useful for information on current events and recent trends. Information tends to be more specific in nature, and because articles contain factual information and opinions it may be necessary to evaluate the content accordingly.

Electronic Information Sources

· Subscription research databases like EBSCOHost and JSTOR contain the digitized versions of articles that have been published previously in print form. The information in these articles is subject to the same review process used for print articles and books, so there is little or no need to evaluate information for authority and accuracy. The institution offering the database pays a subscription fee so that its users can access the information freely.

· Some governmental, educational, and scientific entities publish information portals that are accessible free of charge. The Statistical Abstract , published by the U.S. Census Bureau, contains a wealth of statistical information about the American people, government and economy. The CIA World Factbook provides comprehensive profiles of the world’s nations. The National Library of Medicine provides a portal to its branches and a searchable interface to information on all aspects of health and medicine.

The Open Internet

· Websites contain the bulk of the information on the Internet. A website may be maintained by a well-known institution such as the National Geographic Society, or by an individual with no appreciable expertise on a subject. It is therefore necessary to evaluate websites used for research purposes in terms of accuracy, authority, objectivity, scope, credibility, relevance and timeliness before using information found in them.

· Blogs, message boards, discussion lists and chat rooms also vary widely in terms of the quality of information they contain. Many prestigious and public personalities maintain an online presence where quality information may be found. Likewise, many blogs and lists are poorly researched at best and must be used very judiciously.