Research and Writing involves collecting and integrating resources related to your topic. Your resources may include a range of media such as books, journals, online materials, etc. When writing a document that involves research, there are a number of challenges: choosing your sources, isolating relevant content within a resource, analyzing rather than summarizing your research, and placing that research within your document.
Below you will find a collection of useful web resources pertinent to research and writing.
Research Assistance
The following links will help you get started on your research and find useful sources:
DePaul University Libraries (for DePaul students, instructors, and staff only)
The DePaul Libraries offer a range of services that will aid you in conducting your research. In addition to providing subscriptions to online databases and periodicals, you can talk with a librarian via IM, face-to-face appointment, or phone. This is an incredibly helpful way to begin sorting through all the information out there because the librarians are trained to help writers find the right databases and reference materials, in addition to talking through your own research strategies.
Online Research Options
Keep in mind that the internet provides great access to resources that would traditionally only be available in print form. Many books can now be be accessed for free electronically. Visit the links below to find more resources on your topic:
- The Online Book Page, from the University of Pennsylvania Libraries
- Bartleby
- Project Gutenberg
Some Useful Web Resources
Paraphrasing and Plagiariasm, from the Purdue OWL
Defines plagiarism and discusses how to avoid it in academic writing.
Evaluating a Bibliography, from the Purdue OWL
Discusses how to evaluate the quality of a potential resource based on bibliographic information. This can help prevent wasted time tracking down resources that are ultimately unreliable, inapplicable, or out of date.
Evaluating a Text, from the Purdue OWL
Discusses how to evaluate the actual content of a resource, beginning with the preface and table of contents.
Evaluating Print vs. Online Resources, from the Purdue OWL
Offers a detailed comparison of print vs. online resources, what to watch for and potential advantages and disadvantages.
The Research Process, from the Ohio State University Libraries
A research strategy tutorial.
Online Databases
A-Z Database List from DePaul University Libraries
Offers a list of online research databases accessible to DePaul University students.
