Welcome to the library guide for Nursing. Use the menu to navigate to different pages. If you have any questions, we have a 24/7 chat feature that can be access using the "Get Help Now" tab on the right side of this page.
To chat with a CSP librarian:
Mon-Thur. 9am-8pm CST (7am-6pm PST)
Friday 9am-4pm CST (7am-2pm PST)
Sunday 2pm-8pm CST (12pm-6pm PST)
Although subject specific databases will likely be best for your topic, it can be helpful to get sense of what is available on your topic before you dive into deep research. Try searching OneSearch, which searches many databases at the same time, to see a variety of resources on your topic.
Before diving into in-depth research, it's helpful to get background information on your topic or to find definitions. Encyclopedias and dictionaries are good places to start. They offer reliable background information and can also help you find a research topic. Use the following databases to find background information on your topic.
When deciding on a topic to research, it is often necessary to brainstorm aspects of your topic before you start searching. You don't want a topic that is broad or too big, which will give you too many results when you search. You also don't want a topic that is too narrow or too small, which will make it hard to find resources.
Before you start researching, as yourself these questions. Use the answers to help you narrow your topic into something more specific. You don't have to come up with long sentences for each question. Short, specific phrases are fine.
WHO is interested in your topic? WHO cares about this topic? (Be specific! Pick a specific population or group of people, i.e. doctors, women, etc.)
WHAT is interesting about your topic? WHAT are some other aspects? WHAT do you want to learn? WHAT questions do you have?
WHERE in the world do you want to focus? (Again, be specific! Pick a country, state, or city.)
WHEN is or was your topic relevant?
WHY is your topic important?
