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WRIT 1003 (Kidder): Welcome

Welcome!

This guide is designed to aid students in Dr. Kidder's WRIT 1003 class in finding academic sources by using library databases. It is broken down into tips on selecting and using keyword search terms, suggestions for library databases based on subject, information on creating annotated bibliographies, and additional research help tools. 

See Assignment Details and Topics to select from for Annotated Bibliography and Essay

Suggested Databases for Literature

Suggested General Databases

You can use these databases to search just about any topic to locate academic journal articles.

Suggested Subject-Specific Databases

Finding the Keywords in Your Topic

Once you have determined your topic, you will need to determine keyword search terms that you will use to search within a database. While websites such as Google allow you to search using full phrases, databases work by using just a few keywords.

Example Topic: I'm curious to understand more about the history of the rest cure being prescribed to women in the 19th century so that I can analyze the historical and sociological context in "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Databases look for word-for-word matches in the text of articles (in addition to other metadata). To isolate keywords in a topic you eliminate any words that are general and not specific to your topic. 

Here are some keywords within the example topic (below in bold text).

I'm curious to understand more about the history of the rest cure being prescribed to women in the 19th century so that I can analyze the historical and sociological context in "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Off-Campus Access

Off-campus (remote) access to the FDU Libraries is available to students, faculty, and staff. When a database or resource is selected, a prompt for your FDU NetID and password will appear on your screen. Access will be granted upon verification of your credentials. 

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