Research Guide Contents

The purpose of the State College Area High School Research Guide is to help students and staff with the basics of the research process and the products of a paper or presentation.  The general paper formatting and bibliography and citation style is based on the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition).  Because it is appropriate for several classes to incorporate and teach the APA style, it is also briefly addressed.  Students should always follow the requirements set by the teacher.

Section 1. Sources of Information and Search Tips

1.1 Library iPAC (Tips and features of the online Library Catalog)

1.2 Subscription Databases Search Tips
1.2a  ABC-CLIO        
1.2b  Literature Resource Center
1.2c  History Reference Center, U.S.
1.2d eBooks and Gale's Virtual Reference Library
1.2e  PowerLibrary
      
1.3 Passwords for Remote Access to Databases

1.4 How to Search the Internet

1.5 Evaluation of Websites

Section 2. Writing a Paper and MLA

2.1 Writing the Thesis and Conclusion

2.2 How to Avoid Plagiarism

2.3 MLA Guide

2.4 Quoting, and Paraphrasing

2.5 Parenthetical (in-text) Documentation

2.6 NoodleBib Directions

2.7 Examples of Entries in a Works Cited/Consulted Page

2.8 Tips for Compiling the Works Cited Page

2.9 Formatting (Type size, first page/title page, numbering, illustrations etc.)

2.10 Student Checklist (Did you remember to include...?)

Section 3. Help for Different Assignments

3.1 Presentation Best Practices (PowerPoint, Keynote and Googledocs, etc.)

3.2 Copyright for Presentations

3.3 APA Guide

3.4 How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography (MLA)

3.5 Primary Sources
   
This site was created and is maintained by the State College High School librarians, Lois Scarangella and Chris Schell, who welcome your questions or comments.  For more information and links, visit the North and South library homepages.