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Reference Resources

Searching Tips

Keywords are...

  • A good way to start a search.
  • The important concepts in your own words.
  • Found anywhere in the article (title, author, subject terms, etc.).
  • Very flexible.

Connecting concepts...

  • Join similar ideas or alternate term with "OR."
  • Link different parts of your topic with "AND."
  • Exclude concepts with "NOT."

Limit to Peer-Reviewed or Scholarly articles...

  • This is part of the publication & editorial process for academic and research journals, produced by scholars and experts. 
  • Being peer-reviewed is a sign that a paper's author(s) have done a certain level of due diligence in their work and their research is complete, manages conflicts-of-interest, and is fair and objective.

Narrow the Date Range...

  • When looking for Current Research or Evidence-Based Practices limit your date range to the last 3-5 years.

Reference Databases

Using Reference Databases

All DSC Library databases are restricted to use by current students, faculty, and staff. You can use your regular DSC login credentials to access these resources. While many databases contain reference-type materials, the databases listed below are either complete reference sources (for example the Virtual Reference Library or World Book) or are especially helpful for finding this type of information.