Back to School: Research Projects

Back to school means a return to every student’s favorite kind of assignment: school projects! And what goes together with school projects like cookies go with milk? I’ll give you a hint: it also starts with a “p”… Procrastination!

Now, you may be asking: How is the library going to help with procrastination? Here is how: We offer a relatively quiet place to focus on your work, wall-to-wall resources for any project, and dedicated librarians who want to help you find the information you need to succeed. As librarians, we are not only familiar with great resources, we also understand the anxiety that comes with starting a new research project. You'll be in good company!

You may have heard by now that the library has plenty of books to choose from on a variety of topics, but did you know that you can access a lot of great library-curated information from the comfort of your home (and in a pinch)? Hypothetically, let’s say you are running a little behind and need some quality resources as soon as possible. Let’s take a look at just some of your options:

Explora Quick Search, opens a new window specializes in reliable content for students and teachers by providing access to information from the world's leading magazines and reference books. This search pulls together information from other EBSCOhost databases, so it makes it a powerful first step for researchers of all ages! For teachers, the integrated Curriculum Standards will also help you find trustworthy information for your class too.

Credo Reference, opens a new window, Britannica eBooks, opens a new window, and Salem Press Online, opens a new window are different options for online access to quality reference eBooks from home. We also have the collection of World Book’s Online Encyclopedias for all ages: Early learning, opens a new window (Grades PreK+), Kids, opens a new window (Grades K+), Discover, opens a new window (Grades 5+), Student, opens a new window (Grades 5+), Advanced, opens a new window (Grades 9+). In addition, there are World Book databases for special topics, like creating historical timelines, opens a new window, getting activity ideas, opens a new window, and putting on age-appropriate adaptations of popular plays, opens a new window. Finally, Science Buddies, opens a new window has a lot of great science fair projects to explore.

If it's literary information you are looking for, take a look at Gale Literature Resource Center, opens a new window. The Purdue Online Writing Lab, opens a new window has a lot of great information for different style guides—APA, MLA, and Chicago—which will help you with formatting your next paper. And of course with HomeworkLA, opens a new window, you can submit your paper for review and have a tutor give you feedback on how to go about improving it before submitting it to your teacher.

Wrapping up this quick overview of databases you can use for your next project, remember that this is just a slice of what the library has to offer. If you need help finding information, be sure to reach out to your local reference librarian, opens a new window. We are always happy to help!