Alternative version of table shown in Section 3, Reading 1, Getting Organized for Research.

 If you need BOOKS, use COAST.

• In COAST you can find: books,  encyclopedias, dictionaries, and government documents.
• Historical.
• Scholarly.
• Good overall background.
• Use COAST to find books when you need to find lengthy overviews, analysis of a topic, or definitions.
• COAST

If you need ARTICLES, use Indexes and Research Databases.

• Articles, books, and book chapter titles can be identified by using printed or electronic indexes or the research databases.  Some, but not all, of the research databases will deliver the full text!
• Timely.
• Can be research oriented, news, or general information.
• Short and sweet.
• Use indexes and research databases to find articles from periodicals when you need scholarly research or a short explanation of an issue.
• Research Databases

For other materials, use the Internet.

• The Internet can include: government statistics, today's news, company web sites, and information about organizations.
• Usually very timely.
• Excellent source of federal and state government information.
• Just a mouse click away.
• Use the Internet when you need today's news, government statistics, or company information.
• Choose your search engine or use sites the librarians recommend.