Finding Sources
Quick Links
Keys to Success
- Identify the core concepts that will answer your research question.
- There is value in using both academic and public sources when researching.
- Use advanced search techniques when searching databases. Make sure to use:
Highlighted Resource: Academic Search Ultimate
Academic Search Ultimate is one resource that you can use to find academic sources (See the bottom of this page for more resources). Click through the slideshow to learn how to access and use this resource.
More Resources
Click on each resource below to learn more about how to effectively use it to find sources.
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Toggle ItemFind Academic Sources on Google Scholar
Use Google Scholar to find a variety of sources. Not all sources that you find using this resource will be of high quality. It is your responsibility to determine if each source is reliable (For more information visit Evaluating Sources).
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Toggle ItemFind Academic Sources with the BYU Library Research Guides
The BYU Library Research Guides are great resources to find databases and other resources for specific topics. Click through the slideshow below to find out more about this valuable resource.
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Toggle ItemFind a Book at the BYU Library
Watch the following video to learn how to search for a book on the HBLL Website.
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Toggle ItemFind Academic Sources on Opposing Viewpoints
In addition to being a great resource to learn about a topic, Opposing Viewpoints contains curated lists of peer-reviewed academic articles that you can use in your papers.
Make sure to access this resource through the BYU Library website as this will give you full access to the resource. Follow these steps to gain access:
- Go to the BYU Library website.
- Log in using your Net ID by clicking on "Login" in the top right corner.
- Then search "Opposing Viewpoints" in the library home page search bar.
- Lastly, when the search results appear,click on "Opposing Viewpoints in Context."
Find the curated list on a topic’s main page in the Academic Journals section.
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Toggle ItemLearn More about Finding Sources
Read through the WRTG 150 Learning Module "Searching as Strategic Exploration."