The SUNY New Paltz library is the greatest resource for beginning a paper. Mostly because you don't have to use your own paper and ink to print out those ginormous articles, and also the librarians are practically begging you to ask them a question...any question...really. Here is a no fear guide to research at the library:
1. Databases: Stick to only full-text ones, partial text is a cheap tease that nobody wants to go rifling through stacks and stacks of journals to find the full version. My favorites are EBSCO, JStor, Gale Net, and Project Muse. Now, even better is Google Scholar. The geniuses at Google know where you live and what the closest library is. If you type in the name of an article, or the subject your researching it will find it for you at New Paltz and title the database you can find it out. It's kind of awesome like that.
2. Websites: For Business students, journal articles can get tough because alot of times the article can be from 1956 or from the Reagan Era which helps nobody. Depending on the subject it's important to stay within 2-5 years, 7-10 years MAX with research. Remember you are trying to prove a point and citing something from 1901 makes you seem like you have been living under a hole. Check out NY times, company websites, business periodicals, and government official sites. trust me, the citation will be a hell of alot easier later on.
3. Books- A wonderful invention! I use them all the time. And books are also the easiest citation. But be aware, even I do not like reading an entire book only to figure out it has nothing to do with my paper. Only approach books if you know EXACTLY what your topic is and if the book covers it in a few chapters. Other than that, simply peruse the book and underline key phrases. Otherwise you are spending more time reading than writing and getting frustrated.
4. Films- Always a great citation if you are doing any project on culture. Check out this database first before logging into Youtube: http://digital.films.com/featuredvideos.aspx
