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GEOG_5231/G Economic Geography: Getting Started

Course guide to help students in Economic Geography navigate library resources available to them

How to Use this Guide:

This guide has been created as a "point of need" reference for various aspects of literature research. Each tab, or page, highlights a different process, skill, or resource that will guide you through the literary resource requirements of this course. The tips and tricks for more effective searching will help make this process more efficient, and the resources listed provide a one stop location for you to begin your research. 

The guide is available at all times with internet access. However, some of the databases and other resources may require you to authenticate with your GS credentials if you are accessing from off-campus. 

 

As You Begin

Take the Time

  • To create an Illiad account if you don't already have one! Interlibrary loan will probably be a reality at some point in your research future. Save time now, and create your account. This will alleviate a great deal of frustration and confusion once you are researching and find something that the library does not subscribe to. 
  • Remember, even if you are on campus, your personal laptop will have an IP address that is not recognized. You will need to authenticate (your GS credentials) to fully access materials. Sometimes the initial login does not complete this. If you are searching the databases and see a yellow bar at the top of the page - you need to click and authenticate!
  • Chat is there for a reason! There is no need to second guess and deal with major frustration while searching library resources. The library chat function is on the library home page, and is also available through our library guides (little golden bubble on each page). Use it and receive an immediate answer to your question! 

Change of Mentality

Part of the Process

Recognizing that searching library resources - finding, reading, evaluating, and synthesizing literature/data/documents- is an integral part of any research project, is the first step in preparation. Searching for resources should not be left as a last minute activity. The process involves thought, multiple searches, organization, and knowledge of where/how to find the resources required. Use this guide to help you navigate the process, and please remember to reach out to your library liaison if you need additional assistance. 

Tips:

Take Notes! Library Research is an Active Process! 

Do the same search more than once!

Notice Author Names, Journal Titles, Databases, of ANY sources that look promising. (Remember, the databases help you with this!)

Use the References of a source to help you find additional sources! If you need help going from a citation to a source in hand, ASK!!

Use the Cited BY, or Times Cited in this Database , or Citing Articles, to find more current articles than the one you found. 

Learn to set up Alerts. You can set up Alerts for Specific Journals, Specific Articles, and also Search Alerts! Alerts essentially create a situation where you can monitor and continue to search without actually being in the database. If you need assistance setting up alerts, please contact your library liaison!