Research Strategies, Resources & Citation Managers
Citation Manager options
Starting research tips
Places to find resources in the library collection (books, ebooks, theses, conference papers, scholarly journals/articles, and images)
Search tips
Library Services during the pandemic
Resources for evaluating and Citation and annotated bibiliographies in Chicago Style
Most citation management tools can help you to:
Manage PDF articles
Generate bibliographies and format footnotes or endnotes in a variety of styles
Platform | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Zotero | -Can auto-detect item types to save in Z Standalone. -Unlimited # of private or public groups. -Can add additional features with third-party plug-in's -compatible with MS Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs |
-Very limited storage space w/free account if you want to store PDF's on Z server (Free account = 300 MB of Web storage) -Although relatively easy to use it still takes some time to learn the software |
Mendeley | -Free account up to 2GB -Free searchable online library of papers & citations. -PDF reader with annotating and highlighting features. Free basic account covering personal server space up to 2 GB, 100 MB Shared Library, 5 private groups with up to 25 collaborators. Fee to upgrade storage space. -compatible with MS Word, LibreOffice |
-Some limitations for private group creation and participation for users with a free account -- Although relatively easy to use it still takes some time to learn the software. - not compatible with google docs |
Endnote | -Can manage large-scale projects. -Activity feed of the group -HIghlighting & annotating tools for PDF's |
-cost, more difficult to learn |
Get curious and inspired by exploring your topic broadly
Brainstorm keywords based on what you know & what Qs you have
Check the library search and use filters to explore results
Check the most relevant subject guide for databases to search
Expand search via sources from bibliographies and new keywords
Virtual Browse (books)
Related Reading (articles)
Subject Headings (all content)
(encyclopedias, dictionaries, textbooks, etc.)
Phrase your topic as a research question
Broadening Your Results
You can give the search more options by placing similar words in brackets, separated by OR: (art OR architecture) (green OR sustainable OR eco)
Architect* finds: Architect, Architects, Architecture, Architectural...
Christian* finds: Christian, Christians, Christianity...
Note: be careful where you place the *, for example Christ* would also find: Christmas, Christo (an artist)
Narrowing Your Results
Learn at the Libraries: Advanced Search
Brainstorm some keywords you could use to start a search for this research question
Text
Brainstorm some advanced search possibilities using:
"blank", (blank OR blank), AND, NOT, *
biophilic AND "interior design" AND (school OR child*)
"biophilic design" AND (school OR child*) AND (impact OR result)
"biophilic design" AND (school OR classroom OR "learning enviroment" OR "learning space")
Learn at the Libraries: Evaluating
CRAAP Test
Currency - Is there a date the page was published or updated? How current are the cited sources? Are there broken links?
Relevancy - who is the intended audience?
Authority - is the author a recognized expert in this field?
Accuracy - supported with evidence (citations)? Peer-reviewed?
Purpose - to inform? teach? entertain? persuade? sell? Check the domain (eg: .com = commercial, .org = non-profit, .edu = educational...
General Library Help
Writing, citing, and research workshops and resources:
Research Support