This is an alphabetical list of the QuickTips you'll find on this web site and in our libraries. These are provided in both PDF format which you can read using Adobe Acrobat (download Acrobat free if you don't already have a copy) and also in Word for Windows format which you can read in your word processor.

12 Steps of Effective Research (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

If you need help getting started or reviewing how to get started on your research, take a look at this page. Remember that research is a circular process, so this is only a general guide.

AIP Style (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Use this page if you need a summary of the basic guidelines of AIP-style citations.

APA Style Citations (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Use this page if you need a summary of the basic guidelines of APA-style citations.

Author Credibility (Word 9.0/2000 format)

This handout expands the tips provided on our "Evaluating Sources" handout that are related to deciding if authors are "reputable" or "credible."

Boolean Logic (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Want to know some great tricks to faster and better searches? Start here.

Boolean Search Samples (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

So, you've heard about Boolean searching, but you want to see some samples?

Connecting to Periodical Indexes from Home (HTML format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

You can now search for articles from home using ProQuest Direct and EBSCOHost's Academic Search Elite!

Evaluating Sources (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

In our two libraries alone you have access to over 120,000 items, millions of articles, and billions of web sites. Your critical evaluation skills are an increasingly vital part of doing efficient and effective research whether it is for your classes here at Pierce or for information in your personal life. Below are some important points to remember when you are evaluating resources.

Finding Books Using Call Numbers (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

If you feel a little lost looking for books using call numbers, read this page for assistance.

Finding Pro/Con Sources (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

If you are searching for controversial topics to use in an argumentative paper or speech, here are some terrific tips.

Keywords and Subject Headings (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

It does matter which you use! This page will explain the differences so you can learn to choose which works best for you.

Library of Congress Classification System (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Library books are arranged by subject and each subject is assigned a call number. Read this page to find a subject's call number area.

MLA Style Citations (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Use this page if you need a summary of the basic guidelines of MLA-style citations.

Plagiarism (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

This handout condenses general information about plagiarizing that most students want to know: what it is, the differences between paraphrases and quotations, and tips for avoiding plagiarism

Point of View in Periodicals (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

If you need to find sources representing various viewpoints, start here.

Researching Topics: A Sample Search (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

If you find it easier to start your research if you see a sample search, take a look at this handout. Follow this advice and you'll have a much easier time finding information on your research topics.

Starting Your Research (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Having trouble getting started? This handout describes the three categories most instructors divide library resources into: reference books, books, and periodicals.

Types of Periodicals (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

This page describes factors useful in determining whether periodicals are newspapers, popular magazines, trade/industry journals, or scholarly journals.

Web Addresses (URLs) (PDF format) (Word 9.0/2000 format)

Do you find web addresses confusing? Are you fairly new to using the web? If so, this page will help you learn many useful tips, from the language of web addresses to figuring out who owns a specific web page.