ENGL 1010: English Composition I
This research guide lists sources from AUM's Library which you can use for research on your topic. If you have questions, please:
- go to the Reference Desk on the Library's second floor
- call the Reference Desk at 334-244-3649 when we are open
- Ask A Librarian by e-mail
Reference Sources
Reference sources and librarians at the Reference Desk can help you:
- explore potential topics that interest you
- find background information on your chosen topic
- locate brief factual information like statistics, dates, names, and places quickly
- create a list of words that describe your topic (You'll need these when you search for books and articles on your topic.)
- determine the best sources for finding information on your topic
Become familiar with the types of reference sources listed here and then ask at the Reference Desk on the second floor for assistance with finding ones that are appropriate for your topic.
Dictionaries & Glossaries
Subject dictionaries and glossaries focusing on areas such as art, history, psychology, medicine, the environment, social work, and business will prove invaluable for research on unfamiliar topics.
Encyclopedias
Encyclopedias provide a short summary of a broad range of topics. General encyclopedias cover many different topics while subject encyclopedias have a more specific focus.
Almanacs
Consult almanacs for brief factual information on current and historical events, people, weather, politics, awards and prizes, cities and countries, astronomy, inventions, and much more. Like dictionaries and encyclopedias, some almanacs focus on specific subject areas.
CQ Researcher
CQ Researcher reports address a single topic related to issues concerning the economy, education, the environment, health, international affairs, politics, society, and technology. These award-winning reports:
- discuss past, current, and projected future developments
- summarize opposing viewpoints
- provide statistics
- list sources including books, articles, reports, and organizations that can be used for further research
CQ Researcher is located in the Library's Reference Collection (H35 .E35) and is also available online. Ask at the Reference Desk for assistance.
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center database covers a wide range of social issues discussed in books, magazine and newspaper articles, primary sources, and web sites.
Magazine & Journal Articles
You'll need to find magazine and journal articles on your topic. To find articles, use the Library's online databases which are accessible off campus.
The entire text of many articles is included in the Library's databases. If an article is not in the database you are searching, you may be able to find it in another database or in the Library's Periodicals Collection by:
- clicking on Article Linker
OR- typing the journal, magazine, or newspaper title into Serials Solutions (AUM)
Journals in the Periodicals Collection on the second floor of the Library are arranged by call number. Ask at the Reference Desk if you need assistance.
You may request articles that are not available in the Library or the databases through Interlibrary Loan.
Online Databases
These general databases cover many topics. Become familiar with them now as they will be useful for your research in ENGL 1010 and many of your other courses.
- Academic Search Premier (AUM)
- Expanded Academic ASAP Plus (AUM)
Books
Books shelved on the third through sixth floors can be checked out. These books are listed in the Library's online catalog. Also check the database netLibrary for eBooks that are available online.
- AUM Library Catalog - books in the Library
- NetLibrary (AUM) - eBooks online
- NetLibrary @ AUM - guide to using netLibrary
Citing Your Sources
Why do sources have to be cited?
- to give credit to the original author
- to avoid plagiarism
- to help others find and verify information
You can read more about plagiarism in CQ Researcher (September 19, 2003).
How do I cite sources?
For this course, you'll use the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. Copies of the MLA Handbook are available at the Reference Desk on the second floor. You can also consult Web sites providing information on MLA citation format.