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Accounting

This guide is designed to help students and faculty access credible resources related to the study of accounting.

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SLCC Library Search

SLCC Library Search

Topic Development or "What should I write/present/research about?"

  • Begin with a research question

Ask:

  • What do I want to know?

  • What does the assignment require?

Try:

  • to make your question specific, without getting too specific.

  • phrasing it as a question using the five W's and an H.  (Who, What, When, Where, Why, or How).  This format can help the task seem more manageable; asking a question in conversation is something most of us have been doing for a long time.

    • For example, "How does the use of activity-based costing (ABC) influence strategic decision-making in manufacturing firms?"

Think

  • about creating a concept map.

This map is downloadable for you but there are lots of concept map styles online.  If you don't like this one, find one that works for you.

  • Constructing your search

    • Pick out the most important or unique words in your question.

For example: 

If your research question is "How does the use of activity-based costing influence strategic decision making in manufacturing firms"  the most important words in the question are "activity-based costing" and "strategic decision-making."  Since their unique meaning is dependent on all of the words being present in that specific order, search them as a phrase. 

Note:  How phrase searching works may be different depending on the search tool.  

  • Use advanced search

    • Nearly all databases offer this option; you may have to look in various menus.

    • Spell out abbreviations and search them as a phrase to tell the tool to search for all three words together in that specific order. 

  • Too many results?

    • Use filter options to

      • limit the publication dates

      • specify a specific journal or magazine

      • specify or exclude a region of the world or country

      • specify or exclude certain types of sources

      • specify or exclude a language

  • Not enough results?

    • If there is an industry standard term, try a common term. This is especially important if you're searching materials written for a general audience rather than an academic or business audience.

      • For example, "strategic decision-making" is jargon for the common term planning.

  • Change filter options (if you have applied any)

  • "Zoom out" for bigger picture

    • The perfect article may not exist

    • Consider looking for articles that are more broad

  • Use your sources' sources!

    • Look at your current research sources for more sources

    • Read literature reviews or skim reference lists

    • Also consider looking at "Cited by" lists

Looking for more help?  Library tutorials are available in Canvas  You can also see all of the Library Services orientation materials.

AI Usage Disclosure: This content was written and edited by a human with assistance from AI tools.. For more information on the extent and nature of AI usage, please contact the author liza.boman@slcc.edu

Off-Campus Access

Current students, faculty, and staff can access all electronic library resources off campus.  When prompted, enter your MySLCC username and password.  (If you are not prompted you may already be logged in through your Canvas or MySLCC account.)

You also use your MySLCC credentials to login to the Library Catalog to access your library account to place holds or renew materials.  If you have any questions, contact the Reference Desk at 801-957-4610.