Communication 101: Introduction to Research

When using Google, remember your search results are based on a number of factors, such as the past searches you've run, the websites you've visited, and others. This means that the best and most relevant results may not be the first result. You will have to tell Google exactly what type of information you want and use critical evaluation skills when looking at the results.

Starting your research with Google or another search engine is a good idea because it allows you to see how your topic is being discussed by a wide variety of people and places. Google may also provide you with a direct link to a Wikipedia article, which may give you both background information and a reference list that can be used for your research. 

However, Google does have limitations when you are conducting academic research. Such as: 

• Google sometimes returns millions of results, which can be overwhelming
• Many of the scholarly articles you may find will have a cost (paywall) that you will need to pay before you view the article
• There are no ways to limit/filter your results

Also, how often do you go to the second page of Google results? 

After you look through your Google results, you may want to consider using the library's website and our Library Search.

Library Search searches everything the Library owns, including many of our subscription databases, and resources we share with other libraries. Your results will be a mix of books, articles, and more. Many of the results will be scholarly and peer-reviewed sources. You will still need to critically evaluate all your results.

With Library Search:

• Search everything the library owns, including many of our research databases
• Have access to many of subscriptions, for free (no paywalls)
• Filter/limit your results
• Requests books or articles the library does not own
• Use other useful built-in tools, such as emailing yourself a link to a book or article