Finding strong, credible sources doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or like you’re aimlessly wandering the internet at 2 A.M., hoping something counts as “scholarly.” As an Ascent College student, you already have access to a rich ecosystem of academic resources designed to support your research from start to finish.
This guide breaks those resources down into practical tiers and adds tips, shortcuts, and best practices so you can search smarter, save time, and build stronger papers with appropriate academic sources.
Start Here: Tier One – Ascent College Library Resources
Think of Tier One as your research home base. These resources are curated, credible, and aligned with academic expectations.
Ascent College Library Catalog (Books: Print & Electronic)
The Library Catalog gives you access to both electronic and physical books.
How to access:
- Go to ascent.edu.
- Click MyAscent (upper right corner).
- Scroll to Research Tools.
- Select Ascent College Library Catalog.
Tips for better searches:
- Use specific keywords related to your topic rather than full questions.
- Try synonyms if your first search returns limited results.
- Add the word “electronic” if you want online-only resources.
Electronic books:
- Click the URL weblink in the catalog record.
- If prompted, log in using your Ascent College email credentials.
Print books:
- Review availability in the catalog.
- To check out a book, email rdeberry@ascent.edu to schedule a library visit.
- If you live outside of the Hampton, VA area, you may request books to be mailed by emailing redeberry@ascent.edu (allow up to two weeks).
Pro Tip: If your assignment requires peer-reviewed sources, books – especially academic monographs – often carry significant scholarly weight.
ProQuest Database (Journals & Contemporary Articles)
ProQuest is your go-to for current, peer-reviewed journal articles in religion, ministry, and psychology.
How to access:
- Go to ascent.edu.
- Click MyAscent (upper right corner).
- Scroll down and click the ProQuest link.
- If prompted, log in using your Ascent College email credentials.
Search strategies that work:
- Start with 2-4 key terms (e.g., pastoral care trauma counseling).
- Use filters for “Full-Text” articles to avoid dead ends.
- Narrow by date if your professor requires recent scholarship.
Pro Tip: Scan the abstract first – it tells you quickly whether the article is worth reading in full.
Research Websites Linked in MyAscent
Within MyAscent, under Research Tools, you’ll find curated external websites chosen for academic reliability.
Best practice:
- Choose the site most aligned with your subject area.
- Use the site’s internal search rather than Google.
- Evaluate authorship and publication credibility before citing.
Reminder: Not all websites qualify as academic sources – these links are provided to help you stay within acceptable standards.
Expand Your Reach: Tier Two – Association of Christian Librarians (ACL)
If you need resources beyond Ascent’s collection, the ACL Reciprocal Borrowing Program allows you to borrow from participating Christian college libraries nationwide.
How it works:
- Visit the ACL Reciprocal Borrowing page to locate a participating library near you.
- Email rdeberry@ascent.edu to request an authorization letter.
- Present the letter at the participating library to gain borrowing access.
Pro Tip: This option is especially helpful for specialized theology or ministry topics.
Don’t Overlook This: Tier Three – Local Public Libraries
Public libraries often provide:
- Academic books
- Online journal databases
- Interlibrary loan services
Most public libraries allow you to search their catalog online once you have a library card. This is a great supplement for general education topics or historical background.
Pro Tip: Ask a librarian – they’re trained research allies and often know shortcuts you won’t find on the website.
When You Need to Find the Hard-to-Find Source: Tier Four – WorldCat
WorldCat.org searches library collections worldwide.
How to use it:
- Go to WorldCat.org.
- Search by keyword, title, or author.
- Filter for “Open Access” to get immediate full-text resources.
Interlibrary Loan option:
- If the resource isn’t open access, email redeberry@ascent.edu with the title and author to request it through Interlibrary Loan.
- Allow up to 30 days for delivery.
Pro Tip: Use WorldCat early in the semester so timelines don’t clash with assignment deadlines.
Final Research Tips for Success
- Start early – quality sources take time to locate and evaluate.
- Keep track of citations as you go (your future self will thank you).
- Balance books and journal articles for depth and credibility.
- When in doubt, ask for help.
If you need assistance at any stage of your research, reach out to jsanford@ascent.edu or rdeberry@ascent.edu. You are not meant to navigate academic research alone.
Happy research – and may your sources be strong and your citations flawless.