Determine whether
the topic you are researching is changing so rapidly that you need the most
current information available (example: medical research), or whether older
materials can be just as valid (example: literary criticism).
However, some assignments require the
use of historical materials, such as diaries, books, documents, and manuscripts.
Using a library online catalog, such as OPAL, or searching in an archival
database, such as JSTOR, may be the best way to find historical materials
for your assignment.
When you are doing something related
to Otterbein College, remember that the College Archives (the Otterbein Room,
located on the third floor of the library) may have the information you need.
Some assignments require that you use
the most current information. For these assignments, the use of pamphlets,
newspapers, magazines and the World Wide Web may be your best choices.
