Eng 1213 Enright Composers
Why should I do research?
Research can lead to information; information can lead to knowledge,
and knowledge is powerful. All of the informational resources available
originated from someone being curious about something, exploring it,
and sharing the findings. With this project, you are learning the
process of doing research which can be applied to other classes, your
career, and personal life.
What is authority and why is it important?
Experts in a field are individuals who might have degrees in a field,
work in the discipline, and have published in the subject area.
Their opinions can be very useful in finding credible sources.
For instance, anyone can write Wikipedia articles, but only experts can
contribute to Encyclopaedia Britannica. Keep the following concepts in
mind when choosing and using resources for research:
1. Identify authors who are outstanding in their fields, determine the credentials of the author. Does the author have a degree in the field, is the author a professor?
2. Date of publication--is it recent? On Web pages, do the links work?
3. Does the publisher have a good reputation? Is it published by a professional association or university press? Is the journal refereed? On Web pages, check the domain (.edu is educational, .gov is government, .com is commercial, .net is network, .org is organizational)
4. How was the resource received by the critics?
5. Completeness of the material. Does the source have an index, bibliography?
6. Is the language slanted or biased?
7. Does it include well known facts or research studies? Is the information complete, accurate, objective?
8. What is the purpose of the resource? Is it for the general public, children, scholars? Is the goal to market persuade, educate?
In what types of publications would I find information for my project?
Information about an event first appears on the Internet, television
news, and newspapers. It depicts what happened and provides
mostly factual information. Magazines include a little more
information. Analysis and criticism appears in journals and
books. For this assignment, most of the useful information will
be found in books and journal articles.
How is the NSU library organized?
Library of Congress
The John Vaughan Library Physical Overview tutorial provides introductory material to the library's collections and services. The Research Strategies tutorial provides an overview to the research process. Use the tutorials to reinforce topics that are covered in class.
Where Would I Find Biographical Information about My Composer?
For brief biographical information, use the following reference books:
Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians (Ref. ML
Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of 20th Century Classical Musicians (Ref. ML 105.S612 1997)
Definitive Kobbe’s Opera Book (Ref ML MT 95.K52 1987)
New Grove Dictionary of American Music (Ref ML 101.U6N48 1986)
New Grove Dictionary of Jazz (Ref ML 102.J3N48)
*New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Ref ML 100.N48)
New Grove Dictionary of Opera (Ref ML102.O6N5 1992)
For more in-depth biographical information, use the Library Catalog and search for the composer by subject, last name first.
How do I Become Familiar with My Composer's Works?
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (Ref ML 100.N48) or Grove's Music Online provides a good overview of the composer’s works and usually includes a list of works written by the musician.
For many composers, there are musical scores and CDs of their
The musical scores are located on the third floor. To locate scores, do
an advanced keyword search and list the composer as the author and
material type to printed music. There are also DVDs of operas
available at the Reserve Desk.
The CDs are available at the Reserve Desk (1st floor, north entrance), and may be checked out for seven days. Some of the CDs come with booklets. To locate a CD by a specific composer, search the Library Catalog by doing an advanced keyword search and searching by the composer's last name. Limit the search by selecting "Material Type" and choosing "Music CD." This will provide a list of CDs that contain the composer's works.
Where Would I Find the Current Critical Response to the Composer
General criticisms can be located in books or journal articles. For full-length criticisms in books, do a subject search on the composer’s last name on the Library Catalog.
For journal articles, try the following:
To use the electronic indexes from a remote site, you will be
prompted for your NT userid and password.
Where Would I Find Information on the Internet?
Is There a Way to Acquire Materials not Available at NSU?
Interlibrary Loan can be used to
books and to get copies of journal articles. Please allow 2-3
for this service. Materials may be requested using
Where can I Locate an M.L.A. Style Manual?
The M.L.A. Handbook for Writers of
Papers is located on the
first floor at the call number, Ref. LB 2369.G53. The Modern Language Association and the Purdue
OWL provide instruction on MLA. Use the Tutorial on Citations and Plagiarism.
in citing sources,
try KnightCite Bibliography Machine.
How do I find these Library Resources through the Web?
Many of the resources listed above are available throug the John Vaughan Library Home Page. Through the use of EZProxy software, these resources may be used from any location. From off-campus, use your NT password and userid.
SophiaBeverley Threatt, MLS, MA
Instructor of Library Services
Languages and Literature and Communication, Art, & Theatre
Page maintained by: SB Threatt email@example.com
Last Updated: 08/07/2012