Skip to Main Content

SEARCHING TIPS FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT: FINDING QUALITY/ACADEMIC SOURCES: Search Tips, Databases vs. Websites, Etc.

This LibGuide is to assist students who are struggling to find information for an assignment, essay, etc. This LibGuide provides tips and tricks for better researching results.

Can I Use Regular Websites That I've Googled?

Whether or not you are permitted to use general websites is up to your individual teacher, so before you do your research check with them. Then, you want to find the best resources possible for the assignment.

Although Databases will always guarantee you quality/academic resources, websites should not be overlooked, particularly when it comes to pop culture type topics, which are difficult to find on academic database sites. Many websites (particularly .org. .gov, and .edu) have valuable information to offer. For websites, however, keep in mind that you will need to do some checking for validity by researching the website's author, date of publication, biases, etc. Check out the "Verifying Source Validity" tab on this LibGuide if you'd like help with that. 

Database Versus Website

Internet sources (websites) may be okay, but databases guarantee reviewed content that is evaluated for authority and accuracy, which means you have direct (and free) access to current, quality, and scholarly information (that comes complete with citations), so consider exploring "DATABASES: List of All Padua Databases first, using the above tab (keep in mind that many teachers require them for research).  Also keep in mind that publishing dates and authors/publishers are included on any quality source.  If you decide to go with a general website instead of a database, at least check it for validity, which you can do using **the SIFT Method or CRAAP test (see info on this page).

Google Search Tips

 

Go to the separate GOOGLE: SEARCHING TIPS found in above tabs

(some of the tips have been included below) 

Specific Resources

If you need specific types of resources, like maps or polls, etc., you can use the .ORG search mentioned above to help you search out those specific resources.  See the following screenshot (which shows how this individual wants information about poverty, but is specifically looking for polls and maps that contain that information).

Research Paper & General Research

If you'd like to explore a LibGuide dedicated to research papers, then check out the Research Papers & General Research LibGuide (complete with Databases, Websites, Debate Sites, and Additional Tips).