UCB Libraries

The Search Strategy Process Worksheet

Think before you search! No matter which search tool you use (databases, Google, etc.), it always helps to have a search strategy. A little planning at the beginning of your research process will save time. Frame your search strategy in terms of the data pieces you will need to make your recommendation.

• What types of information will you need in order to support your idea?
• What might that information look like?
• Who might keep track of that information?
• Is the information likely to be freely available or hidden behind a paywall?
• Is there more than one keyword that could describe the concept?

For information on choosing the right keywords and using them effectively, see this guide.

If you do your research away from campus, you'll need to connect through the VPN. Problems with the VPN software should be referred to OIT, the Office of Information Technology.

In addition to books and periodicals in print, CU provides access to a huge number of subscription websites, article databases, and ebooks. Finding these resources can be tricky. If you need a refresher on how to find books, journals, articles, or data owned by the Library, see the "How do I...?" pages.

Of course you will search the Internet or newspapers for general information, but limiting your search to freely-available sources alone may significantly impact your understanding of the big picture.

Have questions about using RefWorks, the library catalog, or library databases? Feel free to ask me. I'm available for consultation via email or in person.

Natalia Tingle

natalia.tingle@colorado.edu

(303) 492-3034; Koelbel 200E

Office Hours: 3-5 PM Tuesdays, or by appointment

CQ Researcher offers in-depth coverage of political and social issues, with regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy.

Here are a few SEARCH TIPS:

• Think about the types of sources that report on current events and controversial topics. For example: popular magazines, newspapers, blogs or web sites.


• Think about how and where opinions are usually expressed in publications. For example:

editorials commentaries interviews speeches issue briefs

• Don't use the words 'pro/con' when you search. Instead, try search terms like:

analysis opinion commentary public opinion evaluation

surveys political aspects speech opponents proponents

 

These search tips are an exerpt of the comprehensive "Guide to Finding Pro/Con Arguments," created by Caroline and Amy at Norlin Library.

iPoll
Search and retrieve US public opinion data from the comprehensive archives of the Roper Center for Public Opinion Research. A full-text, searchable retrieval system, the iPOLL online database is organized at the question-level, archived from national public opinion surveys since 1935.

Polling the Nations
A compilation of more than 14,000 surveys conducted by more than 1,000 polling organizations in the United States and more than 100 other countries.

Reference sources (such as encyclopedias) are an ideal place to find background information on your topic.

Sage E-Reference

Search the online version of Sage Encyclopedias in humanities, social sciences and business.

ProQuest Dissertations

This database is your best bet for finding dissertations or theses on your topic. Most dissertations are available for immediate PDF download, but some must be requested through Interlibrary Loan. The image below points to the two icons to look for.

For more specific information about finding dissertations and theses, see this guide (ucblibraries.colorado.edu/how/dissertations.htm).

LexisNexis Academic: Law Reviews

Finding a good law review can lead you to relevant legislation, regulations, and policies. LexisNexis Academic is a great source for searching these articles. To get to the law review search page, use the menu at the left side of the page and select "US Legal," then choose "Law Reviews."

Congressional Research Service Reports

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a division of the Library of Congress that prepares short, neutral reports on legislative initiatives and other topics at the request of Congress. This database provides access to all CRS reports dating back to 1916. The images below show how to get to the CRS content and refine results.

Types of Sources

The University Libraries at Virginia Tech created an excellent guide which explains the differences between popular, scholarly, and trade publications. (www.lib.vt.edu/help/research/types-sources.html)

Selected Databases

• Business Full Text (EBSCO). Wilson Business Full Text provides access to a multitude of sources from The New York Times Business Section and The Wall Street Journal to magazines and scholarly journals. With abstracting and indexing of more than 850 publications, users will find feature articles, product reviews, interviews, biographical sketches, corporate profiles, obituaries, surveys, book reviews, reports from associations, societies, trade shows and conferences, and more. Over 600,000 corporate names with cross-references to specific industries and countries are included, as well.

 

• Business Source Complete (EBSCO) includes full text and abstracts from over 1200 scholarly journals and business periodicals covering topics such as management, economics, finance, accounting, international business and more.

 

• Business & Management Practices. Journal and trade publication articles that focus on practical aspects and approaches in business management.

 

• LexisNexis Academic provides access to content from newspapers and magazines, from both the US and abroad.

Business Insights: Global is a new database from Gale. Search by company or product for market share, brand share, trends, and more. You'll find company profiles, industry overviews, and trade articles.

This database also contains rankings from the publications Business Rankings Annual and Market Share Reporter. Examples include:

• "The World's Greenest Big Utilities Companies, 2010"
• "Top U.S. Companies for Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Employees, 2009"
• "Medicare Advantage Enrollment in Colorado, 2010"
• "World's Most Ethical Aerospace and Defense Companies, 2011"
• "Top Contractors for the U.S. Homeland Security Department, 2008"

The sources listed on this guide are a fraction of the resources available to you as students. You'll find an alphabetical listing of business databases on the Business Library Homepage and lists of databases by discipline on the Find Articles page.

Writing and Research Resource Links from CU's Program for Writing and Rhetoric: www.colorado.edu/pwr/links.html.

Organizing your Argument from the OWL at Purdue:

owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/03/

Logic and Argument from the Dartmouth Writing Program:

www.dartmouth.edu/~writing/materials/student/ac_paper/logic.shtml

*Look especially at the section on "Reviewing your Argument's Evidence."

For the exceptionally curious, the article below describes exactly what characteristics make for a successful scholarly work in the management discipline (according to Academy of Management Review):

Smithey Fulmer, I. (2012). Editor's Comments: The Craft of Writing Theory Articles-Variety and Similarity in AMR. Academy Of Management Review, 37(3), 327-331.

For information about citing print and electronic sources in a range of styles, see “How to Cite a Source.”

The APA Style is most often used in the social sciences. For complete guidelines, consult the APA Handbook.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 6th edition, Washington, DC : American Psychological Association, 2010.

Call number: BF76.7 .P83 2010.

For quick answers to common APA questions, see the Purdue OWL Site: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/01/

Writing a longer paper and need to keep track of citations? RefWorks is a web-based citation management tool that allows you to save citations and retrieve them later using "Find it at CU" buttons. Citations from most databases can be easily exported directly to RefWorks.

Wondering if you're citing something correctly? Or maybe you need help with structuring your paper? Take advantage of the CU Writing Center. Making an appointment with a consultant at the Writing Center allows you to receive one-on-one help with your writing.

Want to speak with a librarian right now? You can contact us in person, via the phone, or even over IM. Use the Ask Us page to chat with a librarian even if you're away from campus.

• Business Full Text (EBSCO), a.k.a. Wilson Business Full Text
• Business Insights: Global
• Business Source Complete (EBSCO)
• Congressional Research Service Reports
• CQ Researcher
• GREENR
• Hoover's
• iPoll
• LexisNexis Academic
• Polling the Nations
• ProQuest Dissertations
• Sage E-Reference