Perhaps you have been out of school for a while. This page is designed as a quick review of some basic steps in information-gathering, to relieve any anxiety about being 'not so good with computers'. So even if you haven't done research since Card Catalog days, remember: it's the quality of your research question, and how you think about research and persist that's important; the mechanics just come with practice, like anything else.
For a fairly thorough review of important aspects of the research process, try our Lion's Guide research tutorials, linked to below. It's in four substantial parts, which you can do at your own pace. It should be helpful as a good 'warmup' exercise. If you like, you can also look at one or more of the short videos on this page to review some of the mechanics of searching.
The short videos in the center boxes are (less than 5 minute) introductions to concepts and practices that can help you control your computer searches, and get results that are relevant to your interests. [Note: The 'screen button' at the bottom of the video will enlarge the view to full-screen; hit the Escape button to return to normal size.]
I. Boolean Searching
II. Keyword vs Controlled Vocabulary
III. Using Limiters
IV. Sample Search:CPLI
If you are not clear on these concepts after viewing the videos, please contact the author via the Profile information in the box at the right, or the Reference librarians and/or chat services via the Get Help page on the Hannon Library Web site.
If you have improvements to suggest regarding the videos, this page, or any page or box on this LibGuide, just click on the Comment button at the bottom of the box and let us know how we can improve this LibGuide. Thanks!
Boolean Searching
Keyword vs Controlled Vocabulary
Using Limiters
Sample Search: Catholic Periodical & Literature Index
Here is a longer version of the slide show presentation done for the Orange County Cohort in October 2014 -- too much information to absorb, of course, but just as a way to refresh or clarify some points you might remember, and some additions for those who are curious about what other resources we might offer.
Click on the link, then after the software has loaded, click on 'Slide Show' in the middle of the top menu area, then,
'From the beginning'. Read what you want, skip what you don't want. And let me know how I can improve it!