Course research guide
election process in the u.s.
This research guide lists library sources that can help you with your research. Also: a Search Sheet (Word doc) to help you keep track of your research. Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time! |
 |
| I. Define Topic | II. Devise Strategy | III. Search: Reference, Books, Articles, Web | IV. Evaluate & Cite |
I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!
What topic are you researching?
List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:
What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?
II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names
If you're researching a particular topic, such as "popular vote and Al Gore ", then you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:
- popular vote, electoral vote
- Al Gore, George Bush, Supreme Court, florida
- recount, hanging chads
- 2000, presidential election
| popular vote |
|
al gore |
|
2000 |
|
|
|
|
||
| electoral votes |
|
supreme court |
|
presidential election |
|
|
|
|
||
| hanging chad* |
|
florida |
|
So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?
Keyword
search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that
contain your keywords
Subject
search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that
are about that topic
TIPS:
- Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings. (chad* = chad, chads, etc.)
- Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search,
find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and incorporate
those subject words into your search strategy.
| I. Define Topic | II. Devise Strategy | III. Search: Reference, Books, Articles, Web | IV. Evaluate & Cite |
III. Search Sources
A. REFERENCE sources - Looking for background information or facts?
Sources labeled Ref are in print and available at the SAC Library, 2nd floor reference room. You can also check your local library catalog to see if they own a copy. Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE.
| Location & Call No. | Reference Source Title |
| Ref D20 .H543 | History in Dispute (17 v.) |
| Ref JK1976 .C662 2005 | Guide to U.S. elections (2v) |
| Ref JK2249 .G767 2003 | Political corruption in America : an encyclopedia of scandals, power, and greed |
| Ref JK1976 .M57 2008 | Elections A to Z |
| Ref JK1965 .A57 2003 | American presidential campaigns and elections (3v) |
| Ref JK511 .E53 1993 | Encyclopedia of the American presidency (4v) |
| Online databases | Screen captures - clickable! |
|
Search for names or groups! |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
| I. Define Topic | II. Devise Strategy | III. Search: Reference, Books, Articles, Web | IV. Evaluate & Cite |
B. BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items - Looking for in-depth information?
- Remember the old timey Card Catalog? What were the 3 ways you could search it?
- With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for Subject headings.
- NetLibrary (eBooks) - Do a "Full Text" search for words: caucus / Use quotes for phrases: "populist party"
- How to check out books & eBooks
| I. Define Topic | II. Devise Strategy | III. Search: Reference, Books, Articles, Web | IV. Evaluate & Cite |
C. ARTICLES - Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue?
Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE.
- Academic Search Complete (all topics)
- InfoTrac Onefile (all topics)
- Facts.com (all topics; search the "World News Digest" or "Issues & Controversies")
- Historical Newspapers: New York Times (1851-2001; set your date range for a better search!)
- Newsbank (newspapers: San Antonio Express News, Texas, and World!)
- JSTOR (history, politics, etc.)
- Accunet/AP Multimedia Archive (photographs)
- More...
NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.
| I. Define Topic | II. Devise Strategy | III. Search: Reference, Books, Articles, Web | IV. Evaluate & Cite |
D. FREE WEB SITES
- The Presidential Elections, 1860-1912 from HarpWeek - contains political cartoons, historical context, facts and more for each presidential race
- USA Elections in Brief - Brief introduction to the federal election process. Includes discussions of primary and general elections, the role of political parties, presidential nominations, congressional elections, polls and pundits, financing campaigns, and U.S. elections procedures. Produced and maintained by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs.
- Political Archive: 1948 Dewey-Truman Election - also contains links to other election information; from the Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers U
- History of U.S. Presidential Elections - had links to overviews of the Electoral College, Memorable Presidential Elections, etc.; from The History Channel
IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources
