| This resource guide lists some of the key library databases and resources that should get you started with your research. Feel free to contact a reference librarian to set up a research consultation if you have any questions.
Research Tips: - keyword selection is critical! Make sure you include all possible keywords
- keep a research log of the terms/searches, in case you find better keywords later and need to backtrack
- consult with a librarian to determine the best database(s) for your topic area
- get the materials you need EARLY, you can always work on your assignment later but
Finding Books at Babson and Beyond
Search the online library catalog to find books at Babson and other WEBnet consortium libraries (Bentley, Regis, Pine Manor, Olin).
Try the following subject searches to find if there are books about a topic of interest:
- keyword: religion, international, world, cult, rite, ritual
- using boolean operators like "and" - try your search "catholic and france"
Stop by the Information Desk to request books from other WEBnet libraries or use your LIB number on your Babson OneCard and your PIN to place the book on Hold for yourself. It usually takes only a few days for us to get the book(s) for you. You will be notified by email when the book arrives.
The WorldCat database is a great place to find books that Babson may not own. Request items by clicking the ILL icon. A couple of hints to narrow a search: limit the "Language" to English, the "Year" to 1995-2004, and in "Number of Libraries" use 5+ (this will take out dissertations, which are usually more difficult and time-consuming to obtain). 
Finding Articles & Essays
- Advanced Searching: Using Boolean
If you need a refresher on using Boolean searching techniques we covered in class, check out the Human Database.
a real search example:
(religion* or belie*) and (rite* or ritual*)
- Try to create your own search:
- Simple Search:
_______________ and _____________________
Complex Search:
( ____________ or ____________ ) and (_____________ or _____________)
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Use the following library databases to locate articles & essays on your topic. - Expanded Academic ASAP - Full text and abstracts of professional journals and magazines.
EbscoHost Academic - Contains full text and abstracts of magazines, newspapers, and journals. Use the SCHOLARLY ARTICLES tab to limit your search. Glean subject terms to expand your search.
Example: Type in "new religious movements" in the box (be sure to type in the quotation marks) and click on the button next to Scholarly journals, including peer-reviewed.
Factiva - Click on Library, type atleast2 new religious movements in the box. Also click the box that says All publications and All dates.
JSTOR - Full text scholarly articles. Keep search terms simple in this database.
Check our Electronic Resources => by Topic listing for additional databases.
Help! How to get the full text of that article
Not finding full text? You have a few simple steps to find the full article: - Online Journal Finder - to find out if the journal is available in full text format in another online database
- Library Catalog - to find out if a journal title or a book is available at Babson
- Interlibrary Loan (ILL) - as last resort, we can borrow the item for you - but give us a week or two
Having Trouble? Contact the Information Desk at (781) 239-4596 and we will help you track it down.
Reference Sources
You can find good reference materials using the library catalog and trying a search like religion and (encyclopedia or dictionary or sourcebook). Encyclopedia of American religions by J. Gordon Melton
BL2525 .M449
The Oxford dictionary of world religions by John Westerdale Bowker
BL31 .O84 (Reference)
Web Resources and Government Sites
Using search engines, such as Google.com can lead to some potentially useful resources, but make sure that you are using reputable resources, and evaluate what you find. - Religious Movements Homepage at the University of Virginia
Graduate Theological Union Library Archives: New Religious Movements
Academic Info: New Religious Movements and Alternative Spiritualities
American Religion Data Archive
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