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Missoula College: WRIT 101

Step 3: Identify Keywords

Using the right keywords when searching for resources will help you get the best results. Before you start searching, take a moment to brainstorm possible keywords. Think outside of the box and try to come up with as many synonyms for your topic as possible. Try typing in your main topic in Google and then the word “synonym” and see what you find. Think about other words that can describe what you are looking for and write them down as you go.

Check out this tutorial for extra help:

Step 4: Search for Sources

Look for sources in the Library.

Research Guides - when you don't know where to start.

  • If you don’t know where to look for sources, start at the Research Guides.  The Research Guides provide links to sources based on subjects. 

OneSearch - for books, articles, and newspapers.

 

  • OneSearch is the search engine for most library resources at the University of Montana.

Library Databases - for peer-review and scholarly sources.

  • If you know which database you want to use, enter the title in the search box.  If you do not, either browse titles alphabetically or by subject.  Try using a multi-disciplinary database like Academic Search Complete first.

Want to learn more about databases? Watch this video:

Try these databases first!

Next try these...

Read the description to see if your topic fits within the scope of the database

Research Log

Research Logs help you keep track of and organize sources.  Download one here:

Look for Sources on the Internet

Check out these databases first.  Read the description to see if it will be helpful for your topic.