Your instructor has provided the specific parameters for this assignment. Generally, you are selecting a historical figure to research and connect to any of the following qualities or aspects: leadership, creativity, and multiple intelligences.
1. Start with searching on just the name of your historical figure, with their name enclosed in quotation marks.
2. Then add some subtopics to your search, using words or phrases that relate to leadership, creativity, or intelligences.
3. If you are not researching a contemporary person, you do not have to limit your search by publication date.
4. Use the database's recommended MLA citation. Paste that citation into your word or Google document for your records and then make sure it is formatted according to the MLA instructions you have covered in your class.
5. You have time to request books or articles via Interlibrary Loan. If you locate a resource in your searches in which the full-text is not available, you may see a button called "Request through Interlibrary Loan." Fill out that form and we can request emailed articles or print books on your behalf.
6. If you are having trouble deciding who to research, try the links on our Biographical Information Research Guide.
Before you launch into finding your sources for your bibliography, if you need to know more about your topic, you will want to gather background knowledge and information. This background research may not always result in college-level academic sources for you to cite in your list but will help you develop good search words and phrases and help you recognize relevant articles as you search. Use the options listed below for your background information.
The video below will teach you the basics of using the MCC Library's search engine (which is located on the library's homepage). It includes information on:
The video below will teach you to use the cite, share, and save button's on the item-preview screen.
The video below will teach you to find more information about a search result by accessing its record page.
The boxes below appear on every page of this guide and provide information on where to find help with your assignments.
Are you struggling to find research materials, use our library databases, or write citations and references? Our research librarians can help!
Just need a little help? Visit the Learning Commons' third-floor desk in the Learning Technology Center (LTC), or contact us via live chat or email. You can also call us at 254-299-8325.
Need a lot of help? Schedule a research consultation with one of our research librarians. It's their job to help you succeed!
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Academic Support and Tutoring (AST) provides free tutoring to MCC students (including writing and citation assistance) and free support and tutorials for college-related software.
AST offers in-person support in the Learning Commons, located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the Learning Technology Center (LTC). You can also reach out to AST via phone, Zoom, or email.
Use the link above to learn more about AST and locate its contact information and hours.
Image courtesy of Adobe Stock.
Cynthia Soll
Research Librarian
MCC Learning Commons
csoll@mclennan.edu
254-299-8343
© McLennan Community College
1400 College Drive Waco, Texas 76708, USA
+1 (254) 299-8622