Chapter Summary

This chapter introduces the idea that all research is built on a foundation of previous relevant research. Students will find such research most typically in academic databases, and the scholarly research will help them with ideas and methods for research projects as well as with the language of research and writing style.

The chapter explains the difference between databases and search engines, demonstrates basic database research using key words and Boolean operators and outlines the criteria by which students can identify credible sources of information.

Chapter Objectives

This chapter will help you:

• Explain why library research is a necessary preliminary to your own research.
• Illustrate the difference between relevant information and quality information.
• Describe with examples the difference between search engines and databases.
• Summarize the difference between scholarly, popular, and trade publications.
• List the differences between primary and secondary sources.