|
|
This Library Research Guide will provide information about and access to some of the most significant research materials available from McFarlin Library related to Accounting. The tabs above cover research options such as:
|
Selecting a research topic is much like deciding on a travel destination. Once you have narrowed your ideas to an interesting subject, write down a brief statement about this topic. For example: "Rock groups of the 60s, their popularity and major influence on the music industry." Once the topic is selected, write down specific questions that you'll want to answer. The research process will drive your destination. Your original topic may develop into something entirely different. You may choose to follow an alternate path and go down a different road.
After determining the topic, you can map out your route. You must identify the types of sources that will provide the information needed, then determine where to find these sources. Types of sources that should be considered include books, periodicals, the Internet, and other libraries (through interlibrary loan).
The key to finding books is the online library catalog called Discovery. Search in Discovery by selecting a keyword that best describes your topic. You can also search by title, author, subject, or keyword. In addition to books, the catalog allows you to search for periodicals, government documents, audiovisual material, and Special Collections.
If you get lost during your sight-seeing trip, stop and ask directions. The following reference sources will be most useful to acquire quick answers to any questions you may have.
Begin with Encyclopedias, then to get off the main drag, use Subject Encyclopedias.
What does it mean? Use a Dictionary.
How much, how many? Find Statistical Information.
Who? Find Biographical Information.
How can I get in touch? Use a Directory.
Where do I go from here? Bibliographies.
Periodicals include newspapers, magazines, and journals. They are published regularly, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. Journals are periodicals containing articles written by experts in a particular field of study. If the researcher wrote the article, is it a primary source. If reporters write the article, such as in popular magazines, it is a secondary source. Typically, journal articles contain extensive bibliographies that lead to additional sources.
Journal List - If there is a specific journal that you are looking for, this will take you directly to McFarlin's holdings.
Discovery - If there is a specific article that you are looking for, you can search Summon with that article's title.
Database List - If you don't have a specific journal or article in mind, then McFarlin's databases will allow you to search multiple journals with a keyword.
Common Types of Accounting Writing
As an accountant, you will be expected to compose several types of texts, which serve different purposes and exigencies.
Letters
Accountants often compose letters to clients, government agencies, and colleagues. These letters establish connections and relationships with clients and others in the accounting field, respond to requests and appeals, and introduce changes or recommendations for action. Once sent, letters also become records, which are often referred to at a later date; the content and format of these letters will often be set by the firm for which you work.
E-mails and Memos
E-mails are the most common form of communication in the business world. As an accountant, you will send emails for in-house communication and to communicate with clients and other parties. You may be asked to compose a memo, which is an informal letter that generally introduces a new policy or procedure or provides a conclusion or solution. Memos are most commonly sent via e-mail. Emails and memos should be organized based on the most important information. This information should come first.
Reports
Accounting reports analyze a financial issue using accounting principles. Reports, generally, are done in response to a specific request or issue. Reports require outside research into the market and professional scholarship. They also should be broken up into clear and well-organized sections, ending with an executive summary. Reports are usually used in house or are sent to clients.
Papers
Types of commonly assigned accounting papers include summary and analysis papers, which synthesize someone’s argument and evaluate its importance; opinion papers, which describe your own position on a given subject; and research papers, which support and investigate a proposed argument with evidence.
In Accounting, as in other fields of study, it is very important that you cite the sources that you use to form and articulate your ideas. Accountants generally follow the American Psychological Association (APA) citation format.
For an excellent and free citation management software option, check out our page on Zotero.
For a quick and easy citation generator, try ZBib by Zotero.
