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Jessie Ball duPont Library

Starting Your Research

A place to get background information to start your research.

Starting Your Research

Need an introduction to a topic? We can help with that. These sources will offer you background on:

  • topics

  • facts and figures

  • pointers to major sources of research

  • assistance in helping to narrow or to better define a research topic


Among the best starting points are the Credo Reference Collection and the Oxford Bibliographies Online

Research Guides by Subject

Take a look at the Research Guides compiled by Sewanee librarians. There should be one focused on your discipline, and likely even your specific courses!

Search Credo Reference

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Oxford Bibliographies Online

Search Oxford Reference Online

Search Oxford Reference Online  

Search the Gale Virtual Reference Library

Opposing Viewpoints

CQ Researcher

Provides in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. 

Other Helpful Skills

Polish some of the research skills that will be necessary for research, writing, and presentation across multiple academic disciplines.