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It All Starts with Access
Our top databases
GALE offers several databases. Their Academic OneFile is a great general research tool for peer-reviewed (credible) sources.
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ProQuest SIRS is the best tool for finding both sides of any issue.
From the portal, click on the search icon and type in "sirs." Open the tile that appears.
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You can browse the preloaded categories (right arrow), search your own keyword (left arrow), or use the advanced search feature (up arrow).
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Advanced search uses Boolean operators (see below) and allows you to filter the type of resource displayed in the search results.
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Links to other databases or GALE PowerSearch, which yields slightly different results. Powered by the Palm Beach County Library System.
Research Tools
Remember the Boolean Operators
Boolean Operators are AND, OR, NOT. Using these operators while searching allows you to combine or exclude keywords in a search, which will help provide more precise results.
Boolean Operators are easily understood through Venn Diagrams.
Boolean Operators are easily understood through Venn Diagrams.
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AND
Using AND will only show sources that include both keywords in the search results. |
OR
Using OR will show sources that talk about either keyword. Sources may include one or both keywords. |
NOT
Using NOT will only show sources that include the first keyword but not the second keyword. |
Advanced Search
Research Journal
Keeping a research journal is a time saver. Use it to store all relevant information while doing research so you don't have to go back and search for information later on. Here's an outline of the different parts of a research journal. You can download a blank template below.
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Other Notable Resources
Stuck during the research process? Need help finding something? Not sure if you are citing correctly? Live chat, text, or e-mail a real Florida librarian who can help you with a variety of needs. Service Hours: E-mail anytime. Chat and text message 10am - midnight Sunday - Thursday, 10am - 5pm Friday - Saturday.
Both of these databases include a lot of resources for projects and presentations. Find charts, pictures, quotes and more with citations included.
A great resource for historical documents from Florida. Includes a lot of primary sources. Access at FloridaMemory.com.
Great for finding reputable websites, but is no longer being updated.
In case you are researching outside of the above tools, EasyBib will generate citations with a little bit of help from you.
