Ferris State University Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE).
COMM 121 - Thomson

Where to find materials at FLITE:

Resources for Speech Topics

Finding Books

For books in the circulating collection (Main Stacks), use the Online Catalog.

Finding Journal Articles

Please read Off-Campus Database Access if you want to do your searching from home.

Periodicals (journal articles) cover controversial topics and issues as well. All databases are listed under the database link off FLITE's homepage. Depending on your topic, several databases may help you with your research.

Use the Find a Periodical search to find a specific journal title at FLITE.

Newspaper articles

Newspapers often write on current issues. Check out our Newspaper links page including:

  • InfoTrac Custom Newspapers (120 Full-text Newspapers)
  • Access World News
  • Lexis-Nexis Newspapers
  • The Internet

    There are many webpages on the Internet which seem to provide quality information, but be aware that many provide less than valuable or credible information. Check out these websites for some real examples.

    Getting the Article

    If HTML or PDF full text options are available, click the link to go directly to the full text.

    If full text is not an option:

    By clicking "Find It", the range of options available for document retrieval (print, microform, online). If the full text of the article is available, you will be able to find the article by clicking on the link.

    If the only message you see is "Request document via Interlibrary Loan";, you will need to order the article. By clicking on the link in the window provided, you will be directed to a blank Interlibrary Loan form to be filled out.

    RefWorks

    RefWorks is a tool available to Ferris students which allows you to import and enter citations for future access. The RefWorks Tutorial describes this tool and provides a detail description on using it. The A-Z guide provides tutorials for every database and how to export from them.

    Citation Style Guides

    Whenever you are quoting or using information from a source, you must credit or cite that source. Failure to do so is plagiarism which can lead to expulsion from the University. The following links provide information on how to use MLA:

    Citation Style Guide: MLA (PDF)

    MLA List of References
    More examples of how cite different types of sources using the MLA format.

    Citation Style Guide: APA (PDF)

    APA List of References
    More examples of how cite different types of sources using the APA format.

    Copies of the full-length APA manual (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.) and MLA Handbook (MLA handbook for writers of research papers) are found in the Ready Reference section on Floor 1 of the library near the South Service Reference Desk.


    If you have any questions about what we went over during the library visit, Email Jodi Shepherd.

    Don't forget, you are welcome to come to the Oval Information Desk and ask for help at any time. You can also call us 231-591-3602 or chat with us.

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    Last Update: January 25, 2008

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