front of the Warden memorial library with text reading "Johnson Center" on the side
The University of Tennessee Southern

Research Assistance

In This Section:

Before Starting Your Research

Do the Following

  • Gather your UT Southern I.D. card and set up your library record.
  • Make sure you are entered into our EZproxy system for off-campus database access.
  • Do not hesitate to ask the library staff for assistance.

Need ideas for a research topic?

  • Go to the reference section and find a subject-specific encyclopedia to browse.
  • Oxford Encyclopedia of American Literature R 810.3 O 98
  • Reader’s Guide to American History R 973 R 286p
  • CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints In Context are good sources for pro-con papers.
  • Check your class textbook.
  • Consult class notes.

Ready to begin?

  • Check the library catalog, the OPAC, to see what titles the library has available.
  • Check our eBook Collection.
  • Check the print journals and electronic journals lists on the library website to see if the library has access to the journal articles you are interested in.
  • Make sure you know the journal you choose is one that your professor will find acceptable (Peer Reviewed vs. Popular)
  • Look for a database that may help in your search. The library has several subject-specific (Bloom’s Literature) and some comprehensive ones (SocINDEX).
  • If you have enough time you may also make use of ILL (Inter-Library Loan) to obtain books and journal articles that are either checked out or not available in the library.
  • For a helpful brochure you can print and fold, click here.

Contact Us for More Information

How to Evaluate Websites

It is essential for every good researcher to check sources for accuracy and reliability before publishing or submitting a research paper or project. Many guidelines have been written about evaluating websites. All have the following criteria in common:

Accuracy

  • Can you find this information in other places?
  • Is the information reliable and free of errors?

Authority

  • Who is the author or creator?
  • Is the author associated with a reputable organization or university?
  • Can the author be contacted from the website?
  • Is there a list of sources used or recommended by the author?
  • Is the URL domain non-commercial?

Content

  • Is the information presented without bias?
  • Is the information covered well?
  • Is the information relevant to your topic?

Currency

  • Does the page include the date it was created?
  • Has the information been updated?

Accessibility

  • Is the page easy to search?
  • Does the page download quickly?
  • Is the information well-organized

Interlibrary Loan

The Warden Memorial Library is a full lender on OCLC. Our symbol is TNG. We also accept ILL requests by mail using the ALA form, and by phone with a follow-up written version for our records.

ILL services are available free to faculty, staff, and spouses, except for any fees charged by the lending library. For university-related items, faculty and staff may charge fees to their departmental accounts.

Contact Interlibrary Loan Manager
Interlibrary Loan Request Form

Complete and return to Chris VanDoran.