Research Guides
Below is a listing of research guides and instructional handouts made available by the Undergraduate Library's Reference and Instruction staff. These handouts may be printed or downloaded as instructional resources for individual or classroom use.
Welcome New Boilermakers! - a listing of orientation resources to learn more about the Purdue Libraries
Research Strategy - an overview and flowchart introducing the research process
Research Project Advisory Service - a summary of the appointment-based UGRL service offering Undergraduate students the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Librarian on any kind of research project
Quick Stops for Topics - a listing of selected sources to help you choose a topic or find general information for a research paper or speech
Dewey Decimal Classification system - a brief explanation of the Dewey Decimal Classification system
Library of Congress Subject Headings - learn how to identify accurate subject terms for searching the Libraries catalog
Topical Encyclopedias - selected encyclopedias from the UGRL Reference collection covering a broad range of topics
Constructing a Search Statement - a step-by-step guide to identifying terms and phrases for a research topic and building an effective search statement
Finding Articles in General Databases - brief descriptions of six online general (article) index databases; especially useful for beginning researchers
Indexes and Abstracts - describes coverage of some of the most commonly used article indexes
What's the Difference? - a chart that compares and contrasts characteristics and features of popular magazines and scholarly journals
Locating Journal Articles - a guide to locate specific journal or magazine articles through the Purdue libraries
Evaluation of Information Sources - a chart outlining criteria for evaluating types of information sources, with sources to consult when authority seems questionable
