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

Find Articles Find Articles using software that allows you to search several databases at the same
using CrossSearch 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 U.S. government; presidency; courts; congress; historical U. S. documents; Texas and
Information 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 peer-
reviewed 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