Have a list of keywords or only a vague idea about a topic? Wondering where / how to even begin/start searching? The library can seem a little overwhelming--try starting your search by the type (kind) of information you need.
Follow the links on the left-hand side
Turn your 'pondering' into information; information into knowledge with these sequenced guides. It is important to understand 2 definitions, 2 library terms---click on the tabs for database and encyclopedia
What is a database?
A database is a set of data that has a regular structure and that is organized in such a way that a computer can easily find the desired information.
Data is a collection of distinct pieces of information, particularly information that has been formatted (i.e., organized) in some specific way for use in analysis or making decisions.
A database can generally be looked at as being a collection of records, each of which contains one or more fields (i.e., pieces of data) about some entity (i.e., object), such as a person, organization, city, product, work of art, recipe, chemical, or sequence of DNA.
From the Linux Information Project
What is an encyclopedia? Why is it so useful?
By-the-way: this is a great example of using Wikipedia 'appropriately'.
The idea for this table was motivated by University of Maryland's web site http://www.lib.umd.edu/guides/primary-sources.html
Discipline/Subject |
Primary Source |
Secondary Source |
Art |
A sculpture |
Article discussing a sculpture |
Biological Sciences |
Original research article |
Review or meta-analysis article |
Film |
Movie filmed in 1948 |
Movie review |
History |
Presidential speech |
Web site comparing speeches |
Social Sciences |
Notes taken by a clinical psychologist |
Film about the psychological condition |
Need help finding Primary Sources?
Milner Library
Illinois State University
Campus Box 8900
201 North School Street
Normal, Il 61790-8900
(309) 438-3451
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