When searching for information, one may find it tempting just to type what the topic is in a search bar on the Internet and hit “search.” There are many efficient ways of finding information that tend to get ignored in the new age of readily accessible information. For any source, one must always consider the medium of publication, the relevancy, the author and the language of the piece. When researching for the presence of a conspiracy theory surrounding UFOs, there is a vast amount of information that may not prove to be credible, so following these simple tools aided greatly in finding concrete and reliable information:
Databases: When searching for a reference source, students at the University at Albany have access to multiple databases in the library to assist them. One such database is called Reference Universe, which allows students to search for encyclopedias and references that the University may carry in their libraries, as well as gain some access to the articles inside. Another common student-used database is Minerva, which is most useful in finding sources located in the library but is less useful in finding full-text sources online.
When searching for a secondary source, there are many different search methods. Databases, like JSTOR, EBSCO or GoogleScholar, and Minerva, can be used to find and evaluate books, while also allowing the student to access them in the library. Databases may also be used to find scholarly articles. These articles can be peer reviewed by another scholar, and Ulrich’s International Periodicals Directory will show if the article is peer reviewed.
Finally, databases may also be used to research government articles. The University at Albany library offers three databases that can be used to find government articles, as well as Minerva.
The Internet: The Internet may be used to find non-scholarly articles from newspapers or magazines, websites, and videos that may relate to a chosen topic. When using the web, one must keep in mind the relevancy of the information, the bias of the website and its target audience, as well as who created the website and a list of references. If there is substantial evidence that the site may be trusted, then one may consider using it as a source.