Decide Where to Search

Are certain sources required?
Look at whether the assignment specifies using peer reviewed articles, newspaper articles, data, books, or videos. The PSU Library catalog is the best research starting point.

Does your topic lend itself to a particular type of source?
Your research topic will have an impact on the kinds of sources that you will use. Not all topics are covered in scholarly articles or books. Current events are more likely to be covered in the news. The peer review process can take months, so recent research may not yet be available in a peer reviewed journal.

Who writes about your topic?
A topic like mass incarceration in the United States might be explored by scholars in sociology, law, criminal justice, public policy, psychology, or ethnic studies. Recommended sources for each discipline or subject are in the Subject Guides.

Guides for Different Types of Resources

• Books - Use the PSU Library catalog.
• Articles - Search the PSU Library catalog or use the Subject Guides to find subject-specific article databases. 
• Primary Sources - Try the History and Historiography guide or go to the Finding Primary Sources guide. 
• Newspaper articles - Use the Finding Newspaper Articles guide.
• Statistics or Data - PSU Library provides access to databases that contain statistics and datasets.
• Government Information - Use these subject guides for your research: Government Information, US Government Information, Census Information, and Legal Resources.

The Library strives to provide accessibility to all online content. If a library resource or video is not accessible, or you cannot retrieve it or view it, please let us know using our Report an Error form.