Holy Spirit Library

Reference Wiki for English 101: MLA Style Research Paper

Wiki Hint:  Use the right mouse click on any hyperlink to open the web page in a new window.

English 101_Fall 2008.ppt

Selecting a Topic:

• Selecting a topic can be challenging. Try to find a topic that you like or are curious about. You can use CAVALOG or browse the library's collections to find a topic.  

• Once you have your topic, write it out as a sentence or question  and select the main concepts. 

• Read through background information.  Your textbook, library books, Credo Ref, the collection of e-Reference books, can help in this process. 

Finding Books & E-Books:

CAVALOG is the library’s catalog.  CAVALOG  is used to find books, e-books, videos, DVDs and other materials.   Access points are word/phrase, author, title, subject, and series.  

• Connect to CAVALOG
• To find e-books use the Search limits and set location to Internet.   How to: CAVALOG+e-books.wmv  or CAVALOG e-books.ppt

Finding Articles:

The primary periodical databases, Academic Search Premier, Literature Resource Center, and MLA Bibliography are available by selecting the subject English and Communication from the Databases link on the Library's homepage. Secondary periodical databases, Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center and Project Muse are available by selecting the Multidisciplinary subject link. News articles are available by selecting the News and Current Events subject link.

• Academic Search Premier:   Learn more about the database. View a tutorial.  (Use the scholarly peer reviewed limiter) 
• Literature Resource Center:  Use the Research Guide or view the Help page.
• MLA Bibliography:  Learn more about the database. (Use the scholarly peer reviewed limiter)
• Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center:  Learn more about the database. (Use the Academic Journals or Primary Sources limiters)
• Project Muse:  Learn more about the database.

Writing Helps:

MLA Style:   The preferred style for the Humanities. 

Style Guides:  MLA and others.  (Check with your instructor to make sure you're using the appropriate citation style)  

The Writing Center :  Located in Room 110 of the Iadarola Center for Science Education and Technology.