Contents
[hidetoc]This publication will introduce the major types of information sources for topic selection, background information, and bibliographic sources most suitable for research needs. It also describes research services available from the University Library.
SUBJECT AND REFERENCE GUIDES
Use the Subject Guides, located on the Library Home Page to identify materials in your specific subject area. There is a subject guide for almost every Stout program.
The subject guide will identify the most relevent resources, both electronic and print, for that program area.
STOUT LIBRARY CATALOG
Use the Stout Library Catalog to identify books, conference proceedings, bibliographies, etc. by doing a keyword guided search.Then select Long View to further explore the subject headings. Clicking on a subject heading will display additional resources on your topic. Instructions for using the catalog: Keyword Guided Searched in the Stout Catalog Flash Demo!
The Stout Library Catalog also provides access to other library catalogs in the UW System. Select the Other Catalogs button from the top of the screen. Resources from other UW libraries may be requested directly through the catalog; read about Universal Borrowing.
THESIS
The Stout Library Catalog presently provides access to the Stout Thesis Collection which is both in microfiche format in the Reference Area and with newer theses in full text format. For search help, consult the following:
- Locating Theses Using the Stout Library Catalog Flash demo!
- Help on formatting a thesis in Microsoft Word may be found on the library's Thesis Formatting page.
INDEXES AND DATABASES
Indexes and databases identify articles within magazines, journals, and newspapers. Many indexes provide full text articles. Following are the major database vendors.
- EbscoHost Finding Articles: EbscoHost Flash Demo!
- FirstSearch
- WilsonWeb Using WilsonWeb Database Flash Demo!
Check Subject guide for specific vendor databases most appropriate to use.
JOURNALS / MAGS / NEWS@STOUT
When searching indexes and databases, select the FIND IT! button to locate journal articles. Your search will be led to (1) databases which contain the full-text article, (2) availability in the library's periodical collection, or (2) an interlibrary loan request form. Our library does not own all the journals listed in the indexes and abstracts.
Select Journals/Mags/News@Stout from the Home Page to see which titles we own and which are available full text outline. You can acquire copies of journal articles not owned by this library through Interlibrary Loan. Inquire at the Reference Desk for details or see the Library's Home Page for Interlibrary Loan forms.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Below are examples of research design guides. Additional titles can be found from The Stout Library Catalog with a subject search EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, RESEARCH, and SOCIAL SURVEYS.
- Families of Research Design Detailed schematic of the research design and analysis process; research design methodologies
- Research Methods Knowledge Base Vast database of research tools; in addition to design, also includes measurement, sampling, analysis and write-up
- Resources for Methods in Evaluation and Social Research Links to tools of social research
- Writing up Research: Method and Design Design examples, common problems, writing design section
Print Sources Available in the University Library:
- Chicago Guide to Writing about Numbers REF T11 .M485
- A Companion to Qualitative Research REF H61 .Q16513
- Conducting Research Literature Reviews REF Q180.55.M4 F56
- Designing Surveys REF HA31.2 .C93
- Doing and Writing Qualitative Research H62 .H592
- Evaluation Research REF H62 .E583
- Practical Research: Planning and Design Q180.55.M4 L43
- Survey Research Methods HN29 .F68
- How to Conduct Surveys HN29 .F53
- Handbook of Qualitative Research (Denzin and Lincoln) REF H62.H2455
- Handbook of Research Methods REF Q180.55.M4 S67
- Improving Survey Questions Design and Evaluations HN29 .F67
- Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods H61 .T385
- Questionnaire Research H62 .P33x
- Research Design Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches H62 .C6963
- SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Science Research Methods REF H62.L456
- Writing Empirical Research Reports LB2369 .P97
- Completing Your Thesis or Dissertation: Professors Share Their Techniques and Strategies LB2369 .C66x
STATISTICS
Constructing and analyzing statistical data is a vital part of scientific research. To identify library holdings on statistical methodology, a useful subject heading is STATISTICS.
Print Sources Available in the University Library:
- Chicago Guide to Writing About Multivariate Analysis REF T11 .M484
- Dictionary of Statistics and Methodology : A Nontechnical Guide HA17 .V6
- Reasoning With Statistics HA29 .W525
- SPSS X Introductory Statistics Guide HA32 .N68
- Statistics Without Tears QA276.12 .R68
- Statistics With a Sense of Humor HA35.15 .P97
- Success at Statistics: Worktext with Humor QA276.12 .P97x
- Writing Empirical Research Reports LB2369 .P97
STYLE MANUAL
The "APA Style Manual" is used by most UW-Stout graduate researchers:
American Psychological Association.
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association REF BF76.7 .P83
- Also available in electronic format on the web Citing Resources
INTERLIBRARY LOAN
If this library does not have the journal articles, books or documents needed for your research, we will acquire them from another library. Complete an Interlibrary Request Form on the Library Home Page or inquire at the Reference Desk (715.232.1353) or email Ask a Librarian for details. The Interlibrary Loan process takes approximately two weeks.
REMOTE ACCESS
If you plan to use all the Library Home Page's databases and resources from your dormitory, home or office, you will need a remote access account. Select Remote Access from the Home Page for details.
PRINTING AND MICROFICHE COPYING
All library computers are connected to laser printers located in the Reference Area.
Some periodicals, a portion of the thesis collection, and ERIC documents are in fiche format, researchers need to utilize the microfiche photocopiers located in the Periodicals Area on second floor. Microfiche copies of theses are also available. Inquire at the Reference Desk for fiche copy forms.
All Library printers and most copiers are I.D. card activated with no coin option. Money credit can be placed on a current I.D. card at a Value Transfer Station. The nearest VTS is located in the Library lobby.
CONSULTATIONS
For additional personal assistance, from a reference librarian, in such areas as subject research resources, research strategies, or library technology, make a consultation appointment at the Reference Desk or call 715.232.1553 or email Ask a Librarian
Please make the appointment at least two working days in advance.
WWW Search Engines
The search engines that are available on the WWW vary in depth and coverage. Explore the search options to find relevant WWW sites. For a list of available search engines and WWW directories, e.g. Google or Yahoo, use Searching the Web from the Library Home Page.
Citations
To cite online resources in appropriate bibliographic style see: Citing Resources
To organize citations and create bibliographies and papers in APA, MLA and other styles see: RefWorks and Other Citation Management Tools
Last Updated: 06/13/2008 and Last Revised: 02/21/08
Contact Denise Madland for more information or help on this topic.