The following selected REFERENCE sources (encyclopedias and dictionaries) are a good place to start your research. They can help you identify a topic for your paper, and often include useful bibliographies.
Books will provide a better overview of an issue than articles. Use bibliographies to find additional sources.
Search the Library Catalog for books at CSUSM. The Circuit delivers books from local libraries to our Check Out Desk in 1-2 days.
Some subjects for books on ethnic studies related topics.
Map to find materials in Kellogg Library.
These research databases include ethnic studies related research.
See an article you want in one of these databases?
PDF, 
HTML, 
Linked or 
NOTE: Depending on your topic, other databases might be more relevant. You can choose a database by subject.
National statistics
: Hispanics, Whites, Blacks, Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Asians, Arab, and Foreign-Born populationsOffice of Minority Health from the Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Bureau of Labor Statistics including Occupation Employment Statistics
State and local
Evaluate a web site before using it in your research.
Find out what professors mean by "scholarly" research with this quick tutorial and comparison chart.
Scholarly books and journal articles (aka "peer-reviewed" or academic) are research conducted by experts in a field. These tend to be fairly complex and specific, and include substantial bibliographies.
Non-scholarly sources (aka "popular press") are usually magazine and newspaper articles. These are typically written for the general public in a relatively short, easy-to-read format without bibliographies. Most websites would be considered non-scholarly.
Some classes will require primary sources, firsthand material from a given time period such as diaries, letters, photographs, maps, or newspapers.
Every time you use someone else's ideas (even if you explain the idea in your own words), give credit in your bibliography AND in the text of your paper/presentation.
To format your bibliography
In-text citations examples
When you use your own words:
When you use a direct quote:
Note: There are many other citation styles, such as MLA or Chicago. Check with your professor to see what style is required for your research.