Course research guide
Religious Texts

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 sources and keywords used. Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time!

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 "marriage", 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:

• christian, catholic, protestant, Bible, Old Testament, New Testament
• customs, practices, social life, ceremonies
• marriage, life, divorce, union, husband, wife

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. (custom* = custom, customs, customary, 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.
  

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.

Online databases	Screen captures - clickable!
Biography Resource Center Search for names, or keywords, or both together!
Credo Reference
Gale Virtual Reference Library
History Resource Center

B. BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items - Looking for in-depth information?

QuickSearch Books & Media (Catalog)

By: Keyword Title Author Subject Call Number Search for:

• Remember the old timey Card Catalog? You could search by Author, Title, or SUBJECT.
• With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for SUBJECT headings.
• A few Subject headings (just copy & paste into box!) you can use to do a Subject search:
  

Fasts and feasts Jews--social life and customs Palestine--social life and customs sociology, Biblical Bible N.T.--criticism, interpretation, etc. Bible O.T.--criticism, interpretation, etc. Rome--social life and customs Women in the Bible Koran--criticism, interpretation, etc. Islam--history Koran--stories Women in the Koran Islam--relations--Christianity Islam--relations--Judaism

Islam--customs and practices Islam--doctrines Mormon women Mormons Mormon Church Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Church of Scientology Scientology Reincarnation Dianetics Cults--United States Religion and sociology Indians of North America -- Religion Asia--Religion

• NetLibrary (eBooks) - Do a "Full Text" search for words: jewish and customs and marriage / Use quotes for phrases: "mormon women"
• How to check out books & eBooks
  
  

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; or select the Religion & Philosophy sub-collection!)
• JSTOR (history, politics, etc.)
• Project Muse (humanities, religion, philosophy, etc.)
• Accunet/AP Multimedia Archive (pictures)
• 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.

D. FREE WEB SITES

• Religion Web Guide - sites reviewed and compiled by Susan Myers, librarian and religion bibliographer
  

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources