Surveying the Topic

A good survey or overview usually consists of two parts. First, locate historical or background information on a given topic by consulting a general encyclopedia, like Britannica Online or the Columbia Encyclopedia, or a subject-specific encyclopedia or reference work. Most libraries have subject-specific how-to-find guides or pathfinders either in print or on the Web, which list information about subject-specific encyclopedias and reference works. (For some examples, consult Youngstown State University's list of on-line How-to-Find Guides.)

Second, using an appropriate OhioLINK Reference Database, like Periodical Abstracts or Newspaper Abstracts, locate current information in a general journal, magazine, or newspaper article discussing issues surrounding the topic.

For instance, if you were to research the multiracial category in the 2000 census, you might read about the history of the United States census in a general encyclopedia in addition to reading an article about the controversy over the proposed category in the next census.

See sample student work:

• Initial Searching

 Framing Your Research Question 

Locating Materials

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).