Modern Languages and Cultures   Tags: foreign_language, french, italian, spanish  

Before beginning any research in a foreign language there are a few key points of which to be aware:

• Occasionally books you want will only be available in foreign or large research library.  We cannot always obtain these.
• When doing research, the database may only be searchable in English for certain aspects (subject).
• Most databases or catalogs have a way of limiting to the target language.  Use advanced search.
• If you've been looking for more than 30 minutes, ask us.  We can help.

There are steps to doing research:

1. Learn about your topic.

1. Find a reference book, look at websites, gather information.
2. Evaluate the information you read to make sure it's written by scholars.
   
   

2. Find Resources for your assignment.

1. Books can help give a general overview.
2. Articles give specific accounts or supporting examples.
3. Websites should only be used if your assignment needs you to reference a company's website or a specific product.
   
   

3. Evaluate the information you've found.

1. Do you have enough to do the assignment?
2. Do you have enough scholarly resources?
3. What help do you need?
   
   

4. Contact a librarian for help.

1. Look at the Help tab.
   
   

5. Write your paper.

1. If you need help with this, try the Student Learning Center, or Drake's Writing Help - the Write Spot.