RSCH 9870: Research Conceptualization

This webpage aims to connect you to resources to assist you in your research.

Valdosta State University's Odum Library Homepage

• Getting Started (video guide)
• Anywhere Access
• Log in to Anywhere Access to use library resources while off-campus.
• Live Chat
  • The Live Chat page shows ways to contact a Reference Librarian.  Contact methods include online chat, text message, email, phone, or visiting us in person during normal reference desk hours.
• Schedule a research consultation with a librarian for in-depth help
  • With this online form, you may request an appointment with a reference librarian for assistance with your research. We request 48 hours' notice to allow time for scheduling.
• GIL-Find@VSU
  • Locate books in the Odum Library
  • Search for Library of Congress Subject Headings
• ILL (Inter-Library Loan)
  • ILL - Odum Express
  • ILL FAQs
• Odum Library subject guide for Education

Resources for Online / Distance Learning students

• ILL / Odum Express
• Library services for distance learning students
• GIL-Universal Catalog and GIL-Express (have books from with the University System of Georgia's Libraries shipped to a college library near your home).

Online Reference Sources

• Virtual Reference Library (Gale)
• SIRS Knowledge Source
• E-Reference Shelf

An example of an online reference resource

Finding Databases to search for Scholarly Articles

• Go to the library home page (www.valdosta.edu/library/).
• Click on the Articles tab, if it is not already selected.
• Click the arrow for the drop menu located under Articles & Databases by Subject to reach subject pages for VSU majors.

Is a Journal Peer-Reviewed?

• Use Ulrich's to determine if a journal is refereed (peer reviewed). Look for the referee's shirt!

Recommended Databases for Education

• Specific Databases
  • ERIC (at EBSCOhost)
  • Professional Development Collection (at EBSCOhost)
  • Teacher Reference Center
  • ProQuest Career and Technical Education

• General Databases
  • Academic Search Complete (various subjects, some peer-reviewed and full text)
  • Research Library (at ProQuest) (various subjects, some peer-reviewed and full text)
  • JSTOR (full text journal articles, 2006 and earlier)
  • MasterFILE Premier (good for trade magazines)

• Dissertations & Theses
  • ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
  • openDOAR

• News
  • ProQuest Newspapers

• Open Access
  • OpenDOAR
  • OAIster

Finding News and Trade Publications

• News Resources
• Masterfile Premier

NOTE: You will need to login through Anywhere Access or know the GALILEO password if you are off campus.

Government Documents

Publications of the federal government can be excellent primary sources. The following resources may be useful:

• FDSys
• MetaLib
• GPO Monthly Catalog
• Government Departments & Agencies

Community, School, and District Information from Government Sources

• American FactFinder U.S. Census data for population, housing, economics, and geography.
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) U.S. Department of Education agency responsible for data about education. See the Most Viewed NCES Sites drop-down list for popular reports such as the Nation's Report Card, Digest of Education Statistics, and more.
• Search for Public School Districts NCES data on district and individual public school enrollment characteristics, ratio of students to teacher, district funding, and more for schools across the United States.
• Statistical Abstract of the United States

Help with getting articles full-text or in print

• Getting Your Hands on the Articles (guide)
• Using the Find It Button (video guide to accessing articles from database searches)

Other Skills and Resources

APA Style

• OWL at Purdue
• Research & Documentation Online (dianahacker.com)

Resources

• What is a Scholarly Database? (video guide)
• Scholarly vs Trade Magazines vs Popular Magazines (guide)
• Evaluating Journal Articles (guide)
• Peer Review (guide)
• Paraphrase: Write it in your own words (guide at The OWL at Purdue)
• Evaluating Sources of Information (guide at The OWL at Purdue)

Howard S. Carrier, LL.M., M.S.L.S., 2nd March 2013.