How to Find What You Need

Your previous research strategies may not be enough for you to succeed in your WIC course research assignment. Each discipline may have its own methodology, so don’t be afraid to ask your professor or your subject librarian for help. The OSU library has research guides by subject and an A-Z list of databases.

At the university level, the kind of research you do and the sources you need are often defined by the type of assignment you’re given. Here is a list of media you may encounter during your research process:

  • Field research
  • Lab research
  • Scholarly journals
  • Internet
  • Magazines
  • Books
  • Interviews
  • Newspapers (older versions on microfiche)
  • Maps
  • Government records
  • Films
  • Videos
  • Documentaries
  • Television
  • Surveys
  • Archives

Students are sometimes frustrated when a source they want is not available from the library. If this happens, remember that you are able to order sources from the following:

  • SUMMIT - when you use 1Search, it will search the holdings of over 30 academic libraries in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. You can place a Summit request and your item will be delivered to The Valley Library within 3-5 working days (if they aren't checked out). You will be emailed when it is ready to be picked up.
  • Interlibrary Loan - a service that obtains periodical articles not available at the OSU Libraries and books not available through Summit. Delivery time can be from several days to several weeks, depending on the availability of the item. Articles are sent electronically; other items are sent through the mail.