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FYSP 093: Disability: Search Strategy

Search Strategy

Here is a good, basic formula for getting started with your research:

  • Begin by narrowing down your topic and developing an initial research question.
  • Use the keyword brainstorming worksheet to help you tweak your research question, identify keywords and related terms, and keep track of what you find.  
  • Search in a library catalog (Summon, OBIS, OhioLINK and/or WorldCat) to find books and reference sources.  These sources will:
    • provide BACKGROUND and CONTEXT
    • REVIEW and SUMMARIZE earlier work
    • help you FOCUS your topic and
    • provide CITATIONS to important books, journal articles, conference papers, interviews, etc.
  • Next, search research databases to find articles. The library has hundreds of databases; those listed on this guide are good places to begin.
  • You may also wish to use Google Scholar to search the Internet.  This is a great tool for doing cited reference searches.

Research Help

Librarian contact information:

  • Kathy Abromeit, (Conservatory): kathleen.abromeit@oberlin.edu
  • Eboni Johnson (Main): eboni.johnson@oberlin.edu
  • Barb Prior (Art): barbara.prior@oberlin.edu
  • Alison Ricker (Science): alison.ricker@oberlin.edu
  • Julie Weir (Main): jweir@oberlin.edu

Other ways to ask questions or get research advice:

  • Drop in at the Research Help Desk or call 440-775-5031 during research desk hours
  • Email us at reference@oberlin.edu
  • Chat / IM with a librarian
  • Sign up for a Research Appointment