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Community & Human Services: Find Evidence (info sources)

Search Tools

Consider exploring beyond OneSearch (great for journal and newspaper articles, but not other things like ebooks, statistics and videos - see below).

Search Tip: broad phrases, especially one such as "human services," may not always work when searching. Consider using one or more specific professions or industries within human services instead, such as counseling, "child welfare" or "social work." If I wanted to find information on dealing with stress in human service professions, I might try a variety of searches combining stress with names of specific professions. Example: stress and "social work"

Using the Library with Mobile Devices

Is the Online Library compatible with my iPad or iPhone? Kindle? Android? Other mobile device?  

The answer depends on your device and the library resource being used.  

For information about each library database and e-book collection and how they work with mobile devices as well as information on available apps and how to read articles or e-books on your device, please visit https://www.sunyempire.edu/library-mobile

Accessibility Note

Please note: If you need to request accommodations with content linked to on this guide, on the basis of a disability, please contact Accessibility Resources and Services by emailing them.  Requests for accommodations should be submitted as early as possible to allow for sufficient planning. If you have questions, please visit the Accessibility Resources and Services website.

Topic Background

How to Start

To better understand (and write about) a research topic, first determine the main concepts involved. Find an encyclopedia or Wikipedia entry on that concept (this is called "background reading"). It will give you an historical context (how has the thing, theory, or technology evolved over time?, what people, laws and policies are involved?). This will also help you find the correct terminology for searching the scholarly literature. Once you have a handle on your concept(s), you'll be better equipped to search the journal, book and other literature, using the "Search Tools" section below.

Subject Guide

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Dana Longley
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Phone: 800-847-3000, ext. 2222.
or check our knowledgebase or submit a question via online form.

Please note: If you need to request accommodations with content linked to on this guide, on the basis of a disability, please contact Accessibility Resources and Services by emailing them at Disability.Services@sunyempire.edu.  Requests for accommodations should be submitted as early as possible to allow for sufficient planning. If you have questions, please visit the Accessibility Resources and Services website.