Research Guide for

ENGC 1101 College Writing (Miller)

Main

Library Research

Books

Book Search

Book Search searches the listing of books and ebooks available at the Normandale Library.

Note: Book Search results include both online ebooks and paper books available for pickup at the library. Follow these instructions to request a paper book (PDF) be held for pickup.


 

Reference Databases: Encyclopedias and Dictionaries 

Gale eBooks
Selected dictionaries, encyclopedias, and reference books in many subjects.


Credo Reference
Credo logoArticles from dictionaries, general and subject encyclopedias, handbooks, atlases, and more.


 

Article Databases - Newspapers, Magazines, and Academic Journals 

For this assignment, try limiting to magazines or newspapers first, then moving on to academic journals if you need to.

Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost)
Articles in all subjects from scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. An all-purpose database and often a good place to start.

Academic OneFile (Gale)
Academic OneFile (Gale)Articles in all subjects from scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers. An all-purpose database.


 

Current Events and Hot Topics (Includes pro/con essays)

CQ Researcher
Reports on controversial issues of national importance (health care, public safety, education, environment, etc.). Each report is on a single topic. Helpful as a topic overview. 

Opposing Viewpoints (Gale In Context)
Opposing Viewpoints in ContextTopic overviews, opinion articles, and additional sources on social, economic, and political issues.

 

Newspapers Only - Localized People and Events 

ProQuest Major U.S. Newspapers
Search the 5 major U.S. newspapers all at once. Includes New York Times (including the Magazine and Book Review), Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal (including WSJ magazine).

 

Academic Journals Only - In-Depth Analysis by Academics

JSTOR
Scholarly articles, ebooks, and primary sources in the social sciences, humanities, earth and biological sciences, and more. Includes images from libraries, museums, and archives.

Project MUSE
Journal articles and books on literature, history, visual and performing arts, cultural studies, education, political science, gender studies, and more.

 

Science Databases 

BioOne
Articles from scholarly journals in the biological, ecological and environmental sciences.

Science Reference Source
Science magazines and encyclopedias for a general audience.


 

Streaming Video Databases

Films On Demand
A streaming video service with documentaries, newsreels, and other educational films on many topics.

Kanopy Streaming Videos

A streaming video service with documentary, educational, and feature films.

Notes: PERSONAL ACCOUNT REQUIRED to watch videos. To create an account on Kanopy, use the orange Visit the Normandale Collection button. If you already have a Kanopy account, sign in using the Login link.

The Library pays a per-view fee for Kanopy. To keep costs down, only use Kanopy for educational purposes.




Can't find what you're looking for? Try Combined Search or pick a different database:

Ask a Librarian

Call, e-mail, or chat with a librarian for more research assistance. We're happy to help!

  (952) 358-8290

 Email

Lacey Mamak
Reference and Instruction Librarian
lacey.mamak@normandale.edu
 

Note: Your chat question may be directed to a librarian from another college when Normandale librarians are unavailable.
 

Access Our Databases from Anywhere

Online Library Access Info
To access databases and other Library resources, login with your StarID and password when prompted.  Access is only available to current Normandale students and employees.

 

Get Our Library Browser Extension

LibKey Nomad Browser Extension
green flame logoInstall the LibKey Nomad browser extension to connect to library databases from Google Scholar, Wikipedia references, and publisher websites. Download the extension and set your library as Normandale. Video: LibKey Nomad Explained.

 

Cite your Sources (MLA or APA)

MLA Quick Guide (PDF)
See MLA citation examples for the most common types of sources (9th edition).

APA Quick Guide (PDF)
See APA citation examples for the most common types of sources (7th edition).
 

Research Reminders

  • Research is a process. You probably won’t find everything you need on the first try. You may have to try several of these databases to find all the information you need.
  • If you can’t find much on your topic, try different keywords. Using synonyms or broader related terms can help you find more articles. As you research, be on the lookout for new keywords to use.

Choosing & Using Keywords

Video courtesy of Pfau Library, California State University, San Bernardino.

Rethinking Your Search

Video courtesy of University of Arizona Libraries.

Picking a Topic Is Research

Video courtesy of North Caroline State University Libraries.