Start with Known Items
Start your research by consulting materials on a topic that your have used in class, that have been recommended to you by your professor, or that are cited in works you've read.
Strategy Two: Browsing
When you are looking for books on the shelves of the Howe Library, look at the books near the book you went to look for. Books on similar topics are shelved together and you will often find excellent materials by browsing the shelves in this way.
Strategy Three: Cast a Wide Net
Use a variety of research databases as you look for resources and use WorldCat and Interlibrary Loan to locate materials beyond UVM.