ENGL 100 Composition  Tags: writing freshmen comp first year english department  

Remember the "30 Minute Rule": If, after 20 or 30 minutes of searching, you aren't finding  the information that you need--for any research, not just you Comp class--it's time to find a librarian. We know where to look, we know how use the resources, and we can show you how to do this as well.

Librarians are available via chat, phone and email 

And...if you think there is some vital information missing from this page, let me know.  I have a "Comments" box within the "Librarian" tab.

Your comments, suggestions, and other observations are always welcome.

Welcome to the ENGL 100 page. This guide is intended to cover all the general kinds of information needed for all the sections of the Englsh department's Composition sections.

This your "start-up" guide to beginning your research. To use this guide effectively, browse the tabs: page tabs are set up to reflect the kind or type of paper your instructor has planned for your Composition research assignment.

... Wikipedia.

Wikipedia is a great resouce for keywords, and it is a good place for an overview of your topic. Take notes, browse the article for ideas, and follow their suggested links.  Never assume that the information from this source is correct.  In fact, you can never assume that one source is adequate for college-level research papers.   See what Jimmy Whales, the founder of Wikipedia, has to say of his own source. 

The GOAL,

is to get a good overview of the topic, and Wikipedia is very helpful when you need to browse for ideas. Everyone uses Wikipedia, but the reason your instructors do not accept Wikipedia as a source is that they expect you to drill down deeper into your subject.

By the Time...

...you begin writing your paper, you should have gathered better, more RELIABLE, Resources .

Avoid citing  Wikipedia in your finished paper.