Used as a primary text for a required one-hour basic research methods course at the College of Charleston, this handbook is designed to familiarize the student with the basic precepts and tools used in research. Each of the seven chapters represents a different step in the research process: (1) locating background information--encyclopedias; (2) locating books and monographs--card catalog; (3) locating magazine, journal, and newspaper articles--periodicals, periodical indexes, and abstracts; (4) evaluating books, films, and plays--review sources; (5) locating biographical information; (6) tracing government legislation; and (7) citing sources--descriptive bibliography. Call numbers are provided for all reference sources cited, and a flow chart for basic research methodology is included. An appendix presents general information on the College of Charleston libraries, describes the Charleston Consortium, and provides a glossary. (Author/JD)