Research
and ReferenceSelecting a topic is possibly the most difficult part of doing research. It should be something you are interested in and has enough information to fulfill the assignment guidelines. For additional information, see this library handout.
When you begin your research, you might find that either through your professor telling you or your own research that your topic is too broad and needs to be narrower. The Gale Subject guide feature can be really helpful when this problem occurs. A video on this topic can walk you through the steps.
Learning how to create an effective search can be the difference between frustration and success.
Identify words or phrases (keywords) that relate to your
topic.
Learn about Boolean connector search operators used to group terms together
A keyword search finds your terms in the author, title, subject, and note fields. Read an encyclopedia article, print or online if you need some help in getting started. For help with additional searching tips, see our Basic Searching Tips handout.
The internet can be a good source of information of news, up to date statistics, and regulations. Click on the link above for additional information.
Traditional reference sources include dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks and almanacs which are shelved in our reference collection. Although they still exist in paper form, many more of you are probably familiar with Dictionary.com (an online dictionary), Wikipedia (an online encyclopedia) or the MCC student Handbook available online. In addition, the library has a collection of books, media, and periodicals that can be checked out.
When doing research for a paper, remember not all information is created equal. The library staff, however, have selected books, magazines, media, and electronic resources which are current, high quality, and trustworthy. Many of these resources are available electronically from the Library's home page. To get started, we suggest you refer to our Subject Research Guides or the Recommended website pages. If you are having difficulty finding information on your topic, contact a reference librarian for assistance.
The MCC libraries provide a variety of ways to assist you in doing research and developing or completing assignments. Along with our traditional reference service available to you when the library is open, we provide assistance via email (mccref@noblenet.org), and IM (AOL screen name: immcclibrarian) from the Library's home page. In addition, we can also be reached by telephone (781 280-3706, Bedford or 978 656-3005, Lowell), or as an embedded librarian in your Blackboard course. When the library is closed, reference is provided by Mass Answers . New faculty are provided with an orientation of services, programs and resources and we are always available to provide library instruction for your classes on a variety of topics.
Last Updated: Feb. 2009