**Sociology  

Check out this page to get the basic logistics of

1. Physically getting into the library,
2. Virtually accessing library resources,
3. Where in the library and from whom you can seek research assistance, and
4. Student employment opportunities.

* Be sure to check out the "Information for You" portal on the library's homepage Graduate Students for more information particularly helpful to you.

Brainstorm possible search terms for your topic. Keep in mind that you may need to simplify long phrases by breaking them up into separate search terms or smaller phrases.

Consult background information. Specialized encyclopedias, dictionaries and guides are a great time saving tool. Many of these are located in the Reference Collection on Library North 2.

These sources provide topical overviews, summarize basic concepts, and are filled with names and keywords you can use in your searching.  Many encyclopedia articles also include carefully selected bibliographies that will lead you to additional resources.

ANDs and ORs and NOTs. You will need to combine your search terms with connecting terms (called "Boolean operators"), such as AND and OR. Use AND between terms to narrow a search and OR between terms to broaden a search.

Be flexible as you settle on a final topic. Do a few preliminary searches in the library catalog or article databases before commiting to a topic. You may find that you need to narrow or broaden your focus.

Cite as you go. Even if you're not sure whether you will use a source, it's much easier to note the citation information up front than to decide you need it later!

Check out: What can a Sociology major do? Sponsored by the Career Center of Georgia State.

See Also:

Great jobs for Sociology Majors - Stephen Lambert

Call Number: HM585 .L24 2009