Search with most important terms

• For a topic like "maternal instinct in alouatta palliata in Costa Rica", start your search with "maternal alouatta" or "mother howler"
• Try different combinations of search terms
• Search for articles by the same author you've already found useful

Be flexible with search terms

• Try common names (mantled howler) and scientific names (Alouatta palliata)
• Use synonyms/related terms (mother, maternal, infant, juvenile, etc.)
• Look at terms used by researchers- try those too!

"Zoom out" for bigger picture

• The perfect article may not exist
• Consider looking for articles that are more broad (i.e. "howler" instead of "mantled howler", "primate maternal instinct" instead of "alouatta palliata maternal instinct")
• Sometimes an article with a similar methodology to your approach can be useful to include in a literature review

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 (some databases, like Natural Science Collection and Google Scholar, have this option to follow the research forward in time)

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.