Skip to Main Content duPont-Ball Library - Stetson University Library Home - duPont-Ball Library - Stetson University - Library Guides at Stetson University duPont-Ball Library - Stetson University
Header image depicting John B Stetson statue, walkway to the library, the Innovation Lab, and Student Workers

AMST/HIST 294B: The Art of Public Explanation

Includes tools and resources to support the class AMST/HIST 294B: The Art of Public Explanation

Welcome!

This guide is designed to help you navigate library databases, tools, and services to support your research in The Art of Public Explanation (AMST/HIST294B). Use the resources below to get started. Explore the additional resources on the left to get the most from this guide!

The library is here to support you research process. Librarians are happy to answer any questions or provide additional help.

Find books, articles, videos, and more with OneSearch

1. Limit to a particular type of information source before searching or search All Items.

2. Choose Stetson Collections Only if you you want to limit search results to items accessible through our library.

Using Reference Works

Consider using encyclopedias and other reference sources when you begin researching a topic. Some encyclopedias will provide more in-depth information than others, but any general encyclopedia is a good source to consult for background information of your chosen subject area. Most encyclopedias provide:

  • Main concepts, including names, dates, places
  • Keywords and subject terms related to topic
  • Lists of related articles or additional resources 

Getting Started with Databases

Not finding what you're looking for? Try our A-Z Database List:

Searching Effectively

1. Start by identifying the major concepts, themes, works, or authors that you want to research. These are your keywords. Only type your keywords into the search box- don't try to type in an entire thesis statement or research question. 

2. Most of the time, you'll either have too many search results to sort through, or too few to choose from. Use the following tips to expand or limit your search results as needed. These tips should work in most library databases. Some databases have additional or different tips you can try. When you're in a database, look for a link labeled "Help" or "Search Help" for information specific to that database.

searching tips for when you get too many or too few results

When you’ve found one good source, try this:
Subject headings  Does the database list any subject headings to your source? Click on these links to find more.
Reference List Browse your source’s reference list or bibliography to find additional sources on the same topic.
Who’s cited this? Use Go  ogle Scholar or Web of Science to find sources that have cited your source since it was published.
Author Has the same author published additional material on the topic.