Guiding Student Research

College Conversations
September 22, 1999

Helping Students Get Started

Directories

Many search engines have hierarchical Directories that can be helpful for students browsing for topics. These are rarely dependable research tools. Yahoo is probably the most famous directory.

Virtual Libraries

The advantage of a virtual library as a starting place in one's search for materials is that a professional librarian has sorted some of the wheat from the chaff for you and organized it in a logical way

• Argus Clearinghouse
• Britannica Internet Guide
• Librarian's Index to the Internet
• WWW Virtual Library

Specialized Databases

The list of specialized databases available in the MSU library can be found here.

Doing Good Searches

• Search Engine Watch Wonderful site with helpful search tips, comparisons of search engines, lots more.
• Introduction to Search Engines by the Kansas City Library contains a succinct comparison chart for major search engines.

Evaluating Web Sites

• Evaluating Web Sites A Presentation by Melissa Holmberg

Writing the paper

Citing Sources

• R. B. House Undergraduate Library-Reference Connection (UNC) Citing Electronic Sources

Intellectual Property and Copyright

• Copyright on the Internet from the Franklin Pierce Law Center

A Helpful Book

Ackermann, E. and Hartman, K. (1998). The Information Specialist's Guide to Searching & Researching on the Internet & the World Wide Web. Wilsonville, OR: ABF Content.

Return to: Carolyn Shrewsbury Home Page
last revised: 9/16/03