Q. How do I start my research?

Getting Started

1. Get a lay of the land first. Here are some other handy resources to start.
   
   - CloudSearch (look for the blue CloudSearch box on the library home page) - searches most of our books, E-books, databases, catalog, and E-books all at once and gives you all your results together.
        -- CloudSearch may seem overwhelming, but it isn't really once you get familiar with it. Visit our CloudSearch FAQ page for more information.
   - Sometimes, it may be better to search by databases instead. Sometimes, OneSearch may be overwhelming.  
   - LibGuides (research guides organized by academic subject discipline)
   - WorldCat - search for any book and see what libraries in the area have it if we don't. On the result screen, change the zip code to 77074 (HCU) or your home if you are a commuter or online student. 
      --You can always request a book or request an article that we do not have for free! Articles are emailed to you in 24-72 hours. Books go into a queue used by libraries across the country and we have a list of those who are quick to share and get here fast. Our courier comes twice per week on Tuesdays and Fridays. If you need it quickly, call and ask for a librarian and we can get you a TexShare card (for Texas residents). You may be able to drive to that library for pick up. Please call us before going to Rice University Library.
    
2. Search Strategies 
   - Maximize your use of language. Use unique terms and synonyms. Why do generic searches with ambiguous terms that yield a lot of useless results to wade through only to discover they are useless?
   - Maximize the database tools. Try using the Advanced Search options. Try searching your terms as SUBJECTS rather than global keywords (anywhere in the record).
   -Be a word detective. As you scan the citations, pay attention to the terms. You might get some new ideas for words you haven't considered yet.
   -Check out the many videos and short tutorials on the link below.
    
3. Evaluate the quality of the resources, especially if you are allowed to use the open Internet (Google, etc.). We do have a LibGuide on how to use Google correctly if you use it.
    
4. Corroborate everything! You still can't always trust Wikipedia even though it has improved.

The links below may provide further assistance. NOTE: The videos and tutorials below actually work best in Firefox (yes, Firefox). Please let us know if you need further assistance.