If you are ...

• EXPLORING A TOPIC in an area you know little about or simply want some background information on the topic before you start your research. Then start with Secondary Resources. 
• getting overwhelmed with search results in Google. Then search a focused scholarly Subject Database so that you can limit your search using tags.
• looking for a Librarian who supports your class (CRIM, CRIMJ, or CJPA) or campus program (there are many). The program links will also provide you with all the faculty supporting the program at your campus. People are an important information source. 
• interested in what organizations and public policy groups are exploring then Reports and Working Papers. Or examine the work of Research Centers and Institutes at Penn State.   
• trying to navigate court cases, bills, laws or regulations then examine Legal Research. Keep in mind that you may need to explore the other Related Law Research Guides.
• looking for Statistics or Data. You may need to ask for assistance from a librarian because the answers are sometimes created in a discovery tool.
• looking for interdisciplinary subject databases then explore databases in Related Subject Guides .