FYS Robots in Fact and Fiction: Start Here

The databases featured in this box are particularly useful for this class. You can learn more about databases on the Research Hub's Databases tab.

Find all our databases at Databases A-Z.

TIP: Clicking this icon will take you back to the Research Hub.

Think about keywords related to your topic in general, or a specific context, material, or focus, to start your search in the library's catalog, WorldCat@SU. When you find a good item, try the subject links to lead to more resources on the topic. Also browse the shelf nearby for related titles. Ask your librarian for advanced search tips!

Try some of these subject headings in WorldCat:

Robots | Artificial intelligence | Automation | Human-computer interaction | Science fiction | Robotics | Computers Social aspects | Robot industry | Machine theory | Robotics economic aspects

Access articles via the Databases A-Z page. If off campus, you'll need to log in with your SUEID.

Remember to consider whether your article is scholarly or popular- consult this chart or a librarian for help.

When you encounter any kind of source, consider:

1. Authority - Who is the author? What is their point of view? 
2. Purpose - Why was the source created? Who is the intended audience?
3. Publication & format - Where was it published? In what medium?
4. Relevance - How is it relevant to your research? What is its scope?
5. Date of publication - When was it written? Has it been updated?
6. Documentation - Did they cite their sources? Who did they cite?

Scholarly vs Popular:  The table below shows which characteristics are more commonly associated with scholarly or popular sources. Both scholarly and popular sources can be appropriate for your research purposes, depending on your research question, but research assignments will often require you to use scholarly materials.