L539: Language Foundations for Teaching English as a second/foreign language

There are four steps to library research:

1.      Search for references to books and articles on your topic.

Please see “Recommended Resources” for electronic databases. Onesearch@IU allows you to search several recommended databases with one search request. Since we will be collecting language data as a primary source, please review the page on “Identifying Primary and Secondary Sources.”

2.      Establish a system for recording information for proper citation.

There are several bibliographic management programs available, all very good, that will save you hours of work once you learn how to use them. Endnote is available free to IU students. Download a copy and learn how to import bibliographic information from your database searches. The program is a powerful database that will allow you to keep precise records on all of the materials that you consult, including your own research notes and summaries. All of the databases recommended here will allow you to import bibliographic data directly into Endnote. IUCAT is the only exception to this, but Endnote will connect directly to IUCAT so you can search for and download materials through the Endnote search function.

Endnote information, http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=3607

3.      Obtain the books or articles you want.

Begin by familiarizing yourself with the library services available to distance education students

http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=7156. The IU Libraries Distance Education website will link you to a short video about distance education at IU libraries and provide directions on getting a library barcode, which you will need to request article and book delivery. http://www.libraries.iub.edu/index.php?pageId=7248

Local public libraries and academic libraries near your home can also serve as sources for materials. See directories to left.

4.      Allow yourself enough time to read and understand them.

Plan ahead and start early. If you order books for delivery, you will need to allow extra time (2 weeks).