I have an assignment on issues affecting the work-life balance of college students who are parents. How can I find sources on this topic?

Answer

Read your assignment instructions thoroughly to learn the guidelines for successfully completing the assignment.
Pay close attention to your course syllabus’ statement on the use of AI, so that you only use the sources you are permitted to explore.
Ask your instructor any questions you may have to clarify instructions. Make sure to ask early so you have more time to complete the assignment!

Step 2: Develop a Search Strategy/Keywords

It can appear challenging to locate sources to address this assignment, as the topic is broad and may include different issues related to childcare costs, transportation concerns, parenting styles, stress management or the work-life balance required to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Brainstorm potential keywords/concepts to locate information on your topic.
Locate library databases to try your keywords in. (See Step 3 & 4)
Below are just some suggested terms related to this assignment:

working parents AND college or university

work-life balance AND college AND parents

childcare AND college students

childcare AND United States AND cost

"student parent" or "student parents" – AND college or university

"parenting student" or "parenting students"

single parents AND higher education

Step 3: Finding Books & eBooks

The Library Catalog can be used to discover books and eBooks.
For print materials, you will need your student ID to check out items in-person.

Step 4: Find Articles & Videos

The database you select depends on the kinds of information sources you need (peer-reviewed/scholarly articles, eBooks, videos etc.) You can select a database by subject or type. A good place to start this assignment is Academic Search Complete.

Use your keywords and try multiple search combinations.
Remember to check the Full-text and peer-reviewed (scholarly) boxes to limit your sources by type and by date.
Some databases allow you to turn on a natural language search, which allows you to use more informal language that includes phrases, but many databases still operate best with traditional keywords and operators such as AND or OR to narrow or broaden your searches.

Step 5: Evaluate Sources

Remember to ask yourself questions to discover if a source is credible/appropriate for use in your assignment.

Step 6: Cite Sources

Remember to use proper citation to document sources, both in-text and in the bibliography page (works cited-MLA, references-APA).
Make an appointment with a TCC Writing Tutor if you need help with the writing process and/or citation!

Still stumped? Make a Research Appointment with a TCC Librarian for one-on-one assistance via Zoom or in-person. Remember to also ask your instructor for guidance as it applies to the assignment instructions.

Last Updated Jul 16, 2026
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Answered By Heather Fitzgerald

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