ENGL 1301 @ NLC Library 

HANDOUTS

• Library Essentials - Word  
• Using Online Databases -
• Controversial Topics  Word PDF
• Evaluating Websites -  

ACTIVITIES 

• Jumpstart Your Research

SEARCH STRATEGIES 

• Boolean - AND, OR, NOT
• Field searching - Subject, Author, Title
• Quotation marks for exact phrase
• Truncation - root + variants (*) 
• Database Limiters: date, publication type, type, peer-reviewed, etc.  

Want books? Use:

ALAMO LIBRARY ONLINE CATALOG

• Taking Sides series
• Opposing Viewpoints series
• Current Controversies series

Want articles? Use:

ELECTRONIC DATABASES

• Academic Search Complete
• Opposing Viewpoints Center
• Issues and Controversies on File

Off-Campus Access-- Proxy Login

Citing Your Sources Using MLA format:

• MLA Citation Guide from NLC 
• MLA Formatting and Syle Guide from The OWL at Purdue
• Duke University Libraries  

Need Assistance with Writing?

• Academic Support Center

NEED HELP? Contact Us!

Call: (210) 486-5388

Email: nlc-reference@alamo.edu

Library Instructor:  Kay Garsnett