Start with CREDO Mind Maps which is a brainstorming tool from one of the databases. If you are not sure exactly what you want to research this will help you to define and expand your search terms. The mind map helps you to connect and see other topics that are related. Each of the links from the center topic can be expanded as well.
Next try GALE Power Search Topic Finder which is similar to the mind map for researchers to visualize their topics and see other options for searching. The graphic word cloud that is created by your search shows the keywords that are most commonly found by the algorithm. Each tile narrows your search results and helps move your research forward.
After you have decided on your topic, essential question or thesis statement you can move to some of the various databases which will help you find the best sources. Whether you are looking for primary sources, images, video or audio you have to make sure that you cite your sources correctly. Noodle Tools is the best option for all your citations. When you start your projects open this site and keep adding to any sources that you read and cite. Most of our databases have a direct link to Noodle Tools and will export your citations directly to your resource list.
Historical and current newspapers are a great source for researchers. We have two wonderful databases that search historic newspapers Newsbank’s Historical Newspapers and Readex African American Newspapers. We also subscribe online to several current daily newspapers that can be searched through our website links. There are several free websites that provide wonderful data and information for researchers. A couple of the better ones are The Library of Congress and Digital Public Library of America. All of these links and databases are on the Hayden Library website which is on the resource board as a tile - Hayden Library Website.
