Begin your research using the information and databases available from the library web page at http://www.youseemore.com/swtjc.  These sources are more reliable and authoritative than searching the internet using Google, Yahoo, etc.  Passwords to most of these databases are available to registered students at all three SWTJC Libraries (Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde) for off-campus access.

For a one-page paper, a speech, or a multi-page term report, research strategies are the same. Items listed below that are in black type are also available from the library's home page.

Choose the topic of research and decide what you want to learn about it. Read about your topic in an encyclopedia in one of the three libraries or online choose Ready Reference to get an overview of the subject of your research. Even if you are not allowed to use an encyclopedia as a source, this is for your own information and to give you key words and phrases to use in your research.

For BOOKS, use the Online Library Catalog. Search by one of the menu options like subject keyword or topic keyword. If you do not find your topic, try a related term or another menu option. Don't be too general (education or history) or too specific. Also, check Online Books to see over 27,000 ebooks.   

For ARTICLES, use the Online Periodical Databases and access over 60 databases using the EBSCOhost, TexShare, FirstSearch, Facts on File, and  the New York Times  indexes. .  Review the 'Search Tips' available on most databases. At the search screen on each database, type in your topic and follow the directions on the screen to get a list of articles available on your subject. For upper level and graduate research, check "Peer reviewed" where available. About 80% of the articles you will find are  full-text articles available on your computer or you may find the article you need in the periodical storage area upstairs in the Uvalde library. If you are looking for a particular periodical/journal title look in the Online Library Catalog. Copies are 10 cents a page on the copier and 5 cents a page from the computers. 

For SHORT STORIES and PLAYS,  click on Online Library Catalog, then choose advanced search, and then the Contents field. Enter a short story title or play title to search collections of short stories and plays.

For information on PEOPLE, such as authors or historical figures, you may find it by typing the name in the Online Library Catalog under subject keyword or contents search (Advanced search.)  Use any of the Online Periodical Databases  for additional information. Also, check Research by Subject, then select History/Biography. If your person is an author, use the Research by Subject, then select Literature. Another good source for newsworthy people since 1940 is CURRENT BIOGRAPHY in the REFERENCE area (920.03 CUR) in the Uvalde library. There is an index to this set at each center library.

For INTERNET information try Google or Yahoo. Try to narrow down your topic to a few relevant keywords or subjects. There is an enormous amount of information on the Internet and the more precise your search, the quicker you will find results. Use quotes around terms. If you have the specific address of an Internet site, enter it exactly in the location bar at the top. 

For NEWSPAPER information, select Ready Reference then News. 

For ALL areas, ASK A LIBRARY STAFF PERSON FOR HELP IF NEEDED! If you are off-campus, select Contact a Librarian  from the library web page or call us at 830-591-7367.

If you are a Rio Grande College, SRSU student, additional sources are available from the Sul Ross - Alpine Campus Library. You should have your own user name and password which was given to you after your initial registration.

For help in citing your sources for a bibliography, select Citing Resources from the library home page.

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