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The outline below is designed to lead a student through a library search on a research paper in sociology. Some points of this outline will lead to valuable materials; others may lead to dead ends. As long as you stay ''on track'' all is well. If you reach a dead end, see your instructor for help.

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1. My tentative topic (or topics).

2. Choosing a more precise topic.

A. What encyclopedias, handbooks, or annual reviews are most helpful?
B. Is my topic interdisciplinary? If so, what encyclopedias, handbooks, and annual reviews does the Reference Librarian recommend?
C. What textbooks and reserved books are most useful?

3. Narrowing the topic.

A. What narrowing is suggested by the above encyclopedias, handbooks, annual reviews, textbook, and reserved books?
B. What narrowing is suggested by bibliographies?

4. Communicating with the computer Library Catalog.

A. What subject heading(s) most precisely describes my topic?
B. What related headings are suggested by the ''see also'' references?
C. When I check the above listings, what books appear most useful?

5. Evaluating books.

A. On what books am I basing my paper?
B. Have these books appeared on selective bibliographies?
C. Have these books been favorably reviewed? Have reviewers disagreed with any important facts or interpretations? (Check Book Review Digest, Book Review Index, and the Reference Librarian.)

6. Collecting current information. This is especially important for recent or controversial topics.

A. What useful articles are cited in the Social Sciences Index?
B. In Sociological Abstracts?
C. In the Social Sciences Citation Index/

7. Government documents. Does the Monthly Catalog cite any documents that bear on my topic?

8. Statistical sources. Can I support my generalizations with statistics from:

A. Statistical Abstract Of The United States?
B. American Statistical Index?
C. Any other journal or report?

9. Using guides to the literature of sociology, in case my bibliography of primary sources is weak.

A. What useful sources are cited in Sources Of Information In The Social Sciences?
B. In a Reader's Guide To Periodical Literature?

10. Using comprehensive bibliographies (for textbooks and other secondary sources) if my bibliography is still weak.

A. What useful books are cited in Library Of Congress catalog -- Books: Subjects?
B. In International Bibliography Of Sociology?

11. Using other libraries.

A. If important books and articles are not in my library, do I have time to request interlibrary loans or photocopies?
B. Shall I visit another Library? (Check those within driving distance.)

12. If all else fails, consult with your Instructor.

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