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FYWB 1125: Unruly Bodies (Usher)

Prof. Penelope Usher, Spring 2022

Welcome

Welcome! This page highlights key resources for the First Year Writing: Metamorphosis research project, including the following:

  • Slides and handouts for the library workshop
  • Find background information using reference sources 
  • Catalogs to search for books online
  • Databases for locating articles, including scholarly and peer-reviewed articles
  • Resources for citing your sources and writing
  • Tips to to help keep textbook costs down
  • Remote library services during the Covid-19 pandemic

If you need assistance identifying additional resources, search terms or strategies, please schedule a research consultation with a personal librarian.

Image: Tourmaline, Summer Azure (2020). Photo: Dario Lasagni. Via artnet.

Steps in the Library Research Process

  • Think of a topic or question that you're really curious about, that really compels you. 
  • Write down some keywords and phrases that come to mind. You can use these to search. Be open to the possibility of new keywords, and try out different combinations!
  • Explore backgrounds and contexts. Reference sources can help you with concepts and terms, and they can also lead you to other relevant sources.
  • Search for books and articles on your topic. Carefully skim each source---including the synopsis, abstract, table of contents, and/or index--- to assess how relevant and useful it will be to you.  Put back books or articles that aren't useful.
  • Document and cite your sources as you go along - this will make the paper-writing process much easier!