Course Guide ~ CHEM 125 / Principles of Chemistry: Research Databases

In order to evaluate sources, try the ACCORD method.

Briefly, ACCORD means:

• A - Agenda - What was the author's purpose?
• C - Credentials - Is the author creditable?
• C - Citations - Does the author cite the work of others?
• O - Oversight - Did someone have to approve the publication?
• R - Relevance - Does the source fit your needs?
• D - Date - How recent is the source?

For more detail, take a look at this guide on evaluating resources

Have a plan when conducting research:

Ask questions.

• Think of questions about your topic, and search in databases.
• After reading articles, think about what interests you. Ask new questions, and look for more information.

Find the starting point.

• Hamilton Library Catalog - A simple, one-stop search tool for books and e-books, videos, articles, digital media, and more.  All Searches 
• Academic Search Premier - Indexes journals across disciplines.  General Searches 
• Subject Guides - See We Suggest sections for discipline-specific databases.  Advanced Searches 
• How Do I Find... - News sources, images, statistics, primary sources, and more.  Targeted Searches 

Keep searches simple.

• Start with a keyword search
• Enter no more than two or three words connected by the word AND
• Focus your search by using subject headings

Refine your search.

• Repeat your search after reading some of the information gathered in the previous step
• Mine the bibliographies of articles on your topic for additional sources

Get help.

• Consult a library research guide
• Ask a librarian

With your project group, book an appointment during the week of October 1-5.

In the appointment content, please indicate your last names and your topic.

Please bring the articles you have located to the appointment.

 Book an appointment

Email Glynis Asu, Science Research Librarian: gasu@hamilton.edu