Library Catalog Research Databases Course Reserves How To Do Research Ask a Librarian Library Homepage

Library Handouts | General Guide to Academic Writing | Selecting a Topic | Evaluating Information | Formatting the Research Paper | Avoiding Plagiarism Library Handouts These are electronic copies of the handouts on the wall across from the reference desk. Off-Campus Access/Catalog Help Evaluating Information Overview of Sources to Use in the Library General Information MLA Format APA Format Magazines vs. Journals Contemporary Issues Recommended Reading Recommended Reading - Science Fiction & Fantasy Exercise Sheet - Pink Exercise Sheet - Blue Using Internet Search Engines and Directories Academic Writing A good all-around guide to academic writing is Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL). This site covers all aspects of the research/writing process. Keep in mind that your instructor is the final authority and should be consulted throughout the entire process. Selecting a Topic Selecting a topic for a research paper can be frustrating. The following handout lists some popular topics for research papers: Contemporary Issues The CQ Researcher is an excellent place to browse current, controversial topics. Evaluating Information The following two sites provide guidance on evaluating all types of information: Evaluating Information from Purdue University Libraries Evaluating Information from Indiana University Libraries The following two sites list evaluation criteria specifically for information found on the web: Evaluating Webpages Evaluating Information Found on the Internet ARC's tutorial on evaluating Internet sources: Evaluating Internet Sources Formatting the Research Paper Research papers need to be formatted according to academic standards. The four most popular styles are listed below. Your instructor will most likely indicate which one to use. If an instructor does not have a preference, MLA is the most common style and is recommeded. Style Guides in the Library All four style guides can be found in the library. Use the links below to check location and availability: MLA | APA | Turabian | Chicago Style Guides on the Web The following websites are helpful guides to correct style. Note that these online guides only provide overviews and do not provide the complete style: The OWL at Purdue: MLA | APA Duke University's Citing Sources (covers all four styles) The following website automates the process of creating a citation. Please note that you are ultimately responsible for correct citations and therefore this should only be used as a guide. Citation Machine Avoiding Plagiarism Plagiarism is a serious issue and one that can get you into trouble if you are not careful. Plagiarism goes beyond intentional cheating. Often it is inadvertant because students do not fully understand the issue. The following guide provides resources for both students and faculty that will help in understanding and avoiding plagiarism: Resources for Avoiding Plagiarism

American River College Library, 4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento CA 95841