“What sources do I need, and where should I look for them?”

Orlov worked with a reference librarian to develop a search strategy. She looked for sources that would provide background on her topic, evidence, and counterevidence.

Working with reference librarians

Functions of sources

Library databases

Because her topic was current, Orlov turned to her library’s subscription databases for trustworthy, scholarly, up‐to‐date articles with concrete examples of workplace Internet surveillance.

Searching databases

Library catalogs

Orlov looked for recently published books that could offer in‐depth context, including the history of online monitoring and the laws governing workplace surveillance. One book on the topic had the subject heading “electronic monitoring in the workplace.” Using that heading as a search term, Orlov found a more focused list of books.

Searching library catalogs

The web

Using a general search engine, Orlov found websites, articles, and government publications that would explain the software used by employers and various opinions held by those who use the Internet and e‐mail in the workplace.

Researching on the web

Related topics:

Citations, bibliographies, and literature reviews

Field research