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ENGL 250-001: Intro to Literary Methods (BMC)

ENGL 250-001: Introduction to Literary Methods; Spring 2019; Prof. Gordon

Search Strategies

 

Q: How can I search for sources more efficiently? 

 

  • First, identify the main concepts in your topic.

Example:  gender in 18th century literature

 

 

  • Find different keywords to describe those concepts.   MLAIB has a thesaurus which can help you identify related terms.

 

 

  • Try a search combining your terms.

 

  • When you find a good article or book, look at the subjects to find similar items:

 

 

 

  • When you find a good article or book, look at the bibliography or references that the author cites to find other related sources.

 

  • As you continue your searching, you may need to slightly modify your topic. See NC State’s Finding the Perfect Source video:

https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials/perfect-source

 

 

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help:

Email library@brynmawr.edu, or make an appointment with a librarian.  We’re happy to help you find good sources.