Research+topics


 * //I need help to define my topic .//** ..

I need a **topic** Clusty Brainstorm topic ideas using result clusters

I need to investigate **alternative or related topics**

Clusty Uncover buried sites by choosing a related cluster Ask See “related searches”

I need to **refine and narrow** my topic

Clusty drill down into a cluster of results Surfwax Click “Focus” to identify similar, broader and narrower topics


 * //I need to find quality results . . .//**

Authoritative and scholarly sites chosen by a **subject expert**

Ipl2 search the selective databases or drill down into the well- organized subject tree Virtual LRC Select a subject category, then search term(s) or phrases Google Scholar find scholarly, peer reviewed subject-specific results with advanced search

**Primary** sources

American Memory Locate documents, sound recordings, images, maps, and other American primary sources Ready, “Net, Go! Browse worldwide archival index Library and archival exhibitions on the Web Search for online exhibitions selected by Smithsonian librarians

//**I need facts. .** .//

**A person**

Biography.com search more than 25,000 biographies by name, keyword or profession Who2 search for famous people with "four good links" to more information

A **place**

CIA World Factbook Select country for basic profile Country studies Cross-search or view a country - historical, social, economic, political and national security data Stately knowledge Basic U.S. state facts, links to state government site and encyclopedia (IPL KidSpace)