Africana Studies: AFS 130

Look at the subjects in databases like America: History & Life. Start with your keyword search, browse your results, and then view the subjects on a relevant article.

Note the subjects on records in MUSCAT Plus and WorldCat. These will save you time and aimless searching with keywords.

Some primary source materials can be found by searching MUSCAT Plus, the library catalog, using a keyword or subject search. 

• First try a KEYWORD search which searches all words in the titles, authors, subjects, and notes of MUSCAT Plus records. You can enter words in any order. This is the broadest, safest search. Take note of Subject Headings on promising titles.
• Next try a SUBJECT search with the subject headings from the keyword search. T
• Finally try an AUTHOR search to find original writings of a person or documents published by a government or organization 
  
  Examine the subject headings carefully. The following subheadings will help you identify books that contain primary sources. You can even use these with your keyword searches:

Scholarly Journals - written by scholars, for scholars

• The target audience is academic or professional.
• Articles always have references.
• Authors are always named, and their institutional affiliation is given.

Popular Magazines

• The target audience is the general public.
• Articles lack bibliographies or references.
• Authors may be anonymous.

Trade Magazines

• The target includes people in the industry or people seeking employment in the industry.
• Authors may mention sources but rarely cite them.
• There is no peer review.
• Authors may or may not be named.