LibGuides: PAD 653: Public Policy Seminar: Finding Case Studies

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Contact the Brookens Library Information Desk if you need help.

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Phone: (217) 206-6605
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Consultations can be conducted in-person or by phone or chat (via Elluminate).
Quick Tutorials

Finding Case Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield Brookens Library

Below are tips for finding case studies in the Brookens Library.

Select a Database
Below are a few examples:

1. Academic Search Complete
2. JSTOR
3. Science Direct
4. Public Administration Abstracts

To access click on "Databases" under the Quick Links.
Use "Advanced Search" option
Once you select a database you will need to perform your search using the “Advanced Search” option. Simply scan the page for the word “Advanced” and click on the appropriate link. When you click on it you should see multiple search boxes.
Search Terms
Think of search terms that are related to your topic – be sure to think in broad terms and to create a list of synonyms for each (in case your initial terms do not work).
Search Query
In each search box try to use either one word or two word phrases – not sentences. To narrow your search to only case studies be sure to enter – case study – in one of the search boxes. Some databases, such as Academic Search Complete, will give you a “document type” or “publication type” option from which you can select "case study."

Google Scholar

Google Scholar provides a broad search for scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources. You will find, peer-reviewed papers, theses, and books. And within your results, you can link directly to resources through Brookens Library. Access it from the Library home page.

Note: If you try to access it from Google directly you will not be able to link to the resources available at Brookens. Please contact me if you have any questions about how to access or use Google Scholar.