Research Shortcuts

1. Get Organized!
Set aside the time and the tools you will need.
DON'T wait 'till the last minute - the books you need may not be available and
you will not have time to read and understand online resources.

ID Card
 

ALWAYS (as in EVERYDAY) carry your ID card
 as stated in your Student Handbook.
"Students are to carry their card with them at all times and it should be presented upon the request of any administrator, teacher, or school employee. 
Failure to possess or present an I.D. card may be considered grounds for suspension."
It is required to access materials at the Circulation Desk, to check anything out AND to use any computer in the building with access the Internet!
(No exceptions! Don't even ASK unless you want to meet our alter ego... !)

Your local public library is online and open some evenings. Make sure your public library card is up-to-date! If you plan ahead services like inter-library loan from your local library will be available to you as well.

2. Choose Your Topic / Formulate Your Questions.
Define your topic and develop a list of key words.
Do you know how to properly SPELL your topic?
Do you know the PLACE &/or DATES of your topic?
Any successful search requires that you use excellent search terms.
Are there some unique words or ideas associated with your topic?
What is a bigger and/or narrower topic that would contain your subject?
Are there specific people or organizations that represent your topic?
What do you know already and what do you need to verify or find out?

3. Take Accurate Notes As You Read
Make sure to accurately record everything you will need for your bibliography.
Be aware of copyright laws. Plagiarism is against the law!
As you take notes on the computer or begin your writing process
be sure you back up your hard work on floppy disks.

4. Use Multiple and Reliable Resources
Don’t depend on just one source.
Encyclopedias, reference works, periodicals, newspapers, CD-ROMs,
online resources, source documents and interviews are all available to you through your media center.

Encyclopedias

When first beginning research a basic encyclopedia article will help you identify and spell your search terms.

"Card Catalog"

At BHS the electronic catalog is searchable by keyword, author, title and subject. Sort your search results by clicking in the "Call Number" label at the top of the page. Double click on any listing for more information.

Use the book Index and/or the Table of Contents to locate the specific page for your topic. If you can't find your subject your search may be too broad or too narrow. For example: Instead of looking for a book just on "koala bears" try looking for books under the broader term "mammals" or "Australia."

Reference Books
"R"

BHS Periodicals   
Thousands of magazines are available for you to use. All but the most recent issue are available for
two-week check-out at the circulation desk. They are indexed in the
Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature.
Follow this simple three step process:
1- Use the most recent index you can find unless you are looking for a specific time frame. Find your topic. Browse the headlines and choose several.
2- Make sure we subscribe to that title by checking the BHS Periodical List available at the Index Table.
3 - Fill out one request slip per magazine and present it at the circulation desk with your ID card.
Separate National Geographic  Indexes (1888-2000) in print and on CD-ROM may be valuable depending on your topic.

Internet Resources - General Databases

  Links to valuable database subscriptions are kept up-to-date on the BHS Media Center HomePage:
 http://students.resa.net/bhsmc.
Pick up a database password card so you will be able to access online resources from home!

5. Ask Questions!
Teachers, BHS Media Specialists and public librarians are available to assist you in your search process. Many forms of information about almost any topic can be found in various places in the Media Center.
Never give up, never surrender!