Research Tools

Research Tools This is the gateway to finding more information on over 8 million volumes in our collections as well as accessing online maps, images, databases, e-journals, e-books, news sources, and government information. Library Catalog

Locate any of eight million items, including books, journals, other materials, and selected Web resources, some of which are full-text

Find Articles using Databases

Full-text and multi-disciplinary electronic resources; recently added electronic resources

Find Articles using CrossSearch

Find Articles using software that allows you to search several databases at the same time. Additional features such as email alerts, customized resource lists, search histories, and folders to store citations are also available.

Find a Journal

Find a journal, online or print

Find a Book

Help in using the library catalog, electronic books, selected library catalogs

Find a Map

Geographical and historical maps of continents, countries, counties, cities; maps relating to current news events

News & Newspapers

Local, national and international political, financial, sports, and weather news services (cable, wire) and newspapers; Associated Press search option; links to other news and newspaper collections online

Government Information

U.S. government; presidency; courts; congress; historical U. S. documents; Texas and other states; census; United Nations.

Research by Subject

Guides to research from Accounting to Zoology.

Reference Sites

Dictionaries; almanacs; quotations; postal codes, directories.

Library Widgets

Take the Libraries Web services with you using our Web applications, browser add-ons, and other useful tools.

The different qualities of a good research instrument (i) Length & complexity: Is the instrument appropriate for the participants? (ii) Match between program objectives and the instrument (iii) Sensitivity: Has the instrument been built with a view to being used for assessing what you want to measure, e.g., change? (iv) Specificity: The greater the specificity of a measure, the more likely it is to predict actual performance (Blau, 1993). (v) Reliability and Validity: Has the reliability and validity of the instrument been well established via peerreviewed publication? Do you understand the strengths and limitations of the instrument? (vi) Ethical/Educational Issues: If possible, can the instrument be used not only for the interests of the researcher, but also in the education/development of participants? For example, a self-assessment tool could be used not only for research purposes but also to lead onto a goal-setting and feedback session with participants. Mary Frances R. Honoridez