East Los Angeles College
This research guide provides a list of resources and strategies which may prove helpful when you need to do research about careers and occupations. The resources covered in this guide will include some that are available through the ELAC Library, and others that are available freely on the Internet. This is only a starting point; for more detailed information come to the library and ask for a consultation at the Reference Desk.
Your research strategy might include some or all of the following:
Use reference sources to find an overview of your topic, or to find general background information on your topic
Use the library's online catalog to find books on your topic
Use the library's licensed databases to find journal, magazine, newspaper, and other types of articles on your topic
Use the Internet to find credible web sources on your topic
How do I find an overview or general background information about my topic?
Reference sources are a great place to start your research. You can use reference sources to find a broad range of information such as skills and educational requirements, employment outlook, wage and salary trends, benefits, advancement potential, job finding strategies, and more. Listed below are a few of the reference sources available through the ELAC Library:
Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance
Reference Collection (REF 331.702 Enc 2005 v. 1-5)
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Reference Collection (REF 371.425 Occ 2006/07)
College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning
Reference Collection (REF 331.702 Phi 2003)
Almanac of American Employers
Reference Collection (REF HF 5382.U6 A45 2006)
College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning
Reference Collection (REF 331.702 Phi 2003)
O*NET Dictionary of Occupational Titles
(e-Book)
VGM's Careers Encyclopedia
(e-Book)
How do I find books about my topic?
Teaching Vocational guidance
Law enforcement Vocational guidance
Nursing Vocational guidance
You might also find the following series of books at the ELAC library helpful. All you have to do is go to the library's online catalog, click the "Power Search" button, type one of the following terms in the "Series" text box, and type a keyword about your career (for example, medicine) in the "Words or Phrase" text box.
Careers in
Opportunities in
How do I find journal, magazine, newspaper, and other types of articles on my topic?
Online databases contain full-text articles from both periodicals and newspapers. You can get to the databases available through the ELAC Library by starting at the library’s homepage.
The ProQuest database is a good one for locating career information. Once you access the ProQuest database, go to the "Advance Search." Now, you can simply type in your search terms and click the Search button. For example, you could type "careers" in the first text box, and "police" in the second text box. If you get too many results, try narrowing down your search by adding more words to your search.
Θ Important note: You will need a special username and password in order to access the library databases remotely. Please come to the reference desk at the library to pick up the necessary access codes.
How do I find credible web sources on my topic?
In this section, "web pages" means the "free web"--web sites anyone can access--not web-based research tools like the databases that the library provides. The free web has a lot of great things to offer, but not all the sources found there are appropriate for academic research. How can you determine if the sources you've found are credible? Ask yourself the following questions:
Who created the site?
Can you determine if the author is an expert in the field?
What kind of an audience was the site created for? General adult population? Scientists? 3rd graders?
Can you determine if there is any kind of bias expressed in the site? Is the site trying to sell you a particular point of view?
When was the web page last revised?
What is the date range of the materials covered in the site?
What other resources (print & non-print) are available in this area?
What is the relative value of the web site in comparison to the range of information resources available on this topic?
You can try looking for relevant web sites on your own using subject directories like InfoMine, Open Directory Project, and the Librarian's Internet Index. As well, you can try some of the web sites listed below:
America’s Career INFONET
General employment outlook, wages and trends, employer search, state profiles, a resource library and career exploration.
URL: http://www.acinet.org/acinet
America's JobBank
Run by the U.S. Department of Labor. Thousands of new jobs are posted daily by employers searching for someone like you. Allows users to search for job openings and post resumes.
URL: http://www.americasjobbank.com/
JobWeb
From the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Research and survey information on employment, online career planning and job-searching tools, suggestions on how to look for jobs, tips on interviewing, and a lot more.
IMDiversity.com
Career planning, resume, employer profiles, and employment search to find a job with a diversity sensitive employer.
URL: http://www.imdiversity.com/Default.asp
Mapping your Future
Find out how to choose a career and how to reach your career goal. You can also pick up useful tips on job hunting, resume writing, and job interviewing techniques.
URL: http://mapping-your-future.org/planning/
The Riley Guide: Employment Opportunities and Job Resources on the Internet
Includes: How to search for jobs, where to search, resumes & cover letters, interviews & negotiations, salary guides, and more.
URL: http://www.rileyguide.com
Resources for Beginning Job Seekers
Helps you create resumes, cover letters, and reference lists. Also, provides career, educational, financial aid and other information.
URL: http://www.nycareerzone.org/graphic/resources/index.jsp?section=13
Is there anywhere I can go on campus to find help with choosing a career?
Job placement services are available at the Job Placement Center. These services include job referrals, resume and interviewing techniques writing, and on-site interviews with prospective employers. Job listings are posted on a regular basis in a display case directly outside the Job Placement Office. All services are free to ELAC students. The Job Placement Center is located in the G1 Building, Room 205. See the Campus Map for the exact location. For more information, contact the Job Placement Center at (323) 265-8960.
How do I get more help finding sources for my topic?
If you feel like you need help getting started, finding more detailed materials, or if you have any questions in general, please feel free to come to the library and ask a reference librarian for help.
Billy Pashaie: 10/22/06
© Helen Miller Bailey Library
East Los Angeles College