Student researchers are most often asked to find and evaluate some type of empirical study or research.  To  identify this type of information, you must first know the meaning behind “empirical research”. Empirical research uses information derived from observation, experimentation, or study of a subject/topic. Normally, the conclusions made are derived from the results of experimentation rather than theory. Empirical research articles or studies are substantial in length with extensive bibliographies and references. Most empirical research articles have a similiar format that includes an:

• Abstract (summarizes the research conducted)
• Introduction (defines and develops the hypotheses and reviews related research)
• Methods (reviews how the research was conducted)
• Results (describes and analyzes the data found)
• Discussion (reviews the implications of the outcomes of the study)
• References the Bibliography or Works Cited

You will find empirical research articles in peer-reviewed journals. Examples might include: Journal of American Medical Association or Biological Rhythm Research. To find articles from peer-reviewed journals use the databases available through the UB Libraries. We subscribe to databases covering every field and research area. You can access these databases by using our Resources By Subject page. Find the correct discipline then choose your database. Look for articles with the  empirical research format.

The World Factbook is a great place to start when looking for national level information on countries, territories, and dependencies around the world. The clean and intuitive interface of the electronic version makes it not only an informative resource, but a fun one to browse for facts. Researchers can browse for information on geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. A bright and colorful display of Flags Around the World is also available. Information pertaining to subnational administrative units within a country are not included within the Factbook; further information is provided on the FAQs page.

The World Factbook is a publication of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). An annually updated print version is also available. To locate this publication within the UB Libraries,  complete a ‘title keyword’ search for World Factbook using BISON, the UB Libraries catalog.

BONUS! Looking for information on Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members of Foreign Governments? Check out the World Leaders online directory.

There is a new collection located near the entrance of Lockwood Library and the focus is graphic novels. Browse through the collection and you will find popular graphic novels such as Conan: The Frost Giant’s Daughter, 30 Days of Night, Persepolis, and X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills.

To find graphic novels in the UB Libraries, do a keyword search for “graphic novels” in our catalog.

For more information about the Graphic Novels Collection read the Library News blog post.

Are you a fan or researcher of comic books? Check out our Library Guide on Comic Books which will lead you to the key magazines and journals(many available through our libraries) that will keep you updated with comic book news, reviews, and articles.   Also check out our comic book cover gallery of Comic Books in the ’50s. This is an extensive database of ’50s comic book covers that allows you to search  by title, genre, year, and theme. For further information, please contact Michael Lavin.

Ethel & Ernest by Raymond Briggs

Ethel & Ernest: A True Story is a graphic novel that relates the story of the author’s parents from their first meeting in 1928 to their deaths in 1971.  Winner of the British Book Awards’ Best Illustrated Book of the Year for 1999, Ethel & Ernest is a touching memorial.  It is also an interesting social history, showing how one working-class family confronted the Great Depression, World War II, and the great social and technological changes during this time period.

The Libraries’ Graphic Novel Collection is located near the entrance to Lockwood Library, adjacent to the circulation desk. Intended to provide a representative sample of  the medium’s best titles, the collection includes a true diversity of genres:  everything from horror to romance, memoir to historical fiction.  To learn more about graphic novels, check out the Comic Books & Graphic Novels guide compiled by UB librarian, Mike Lavin.