Bookmark this - it gives hints from the professionals to help you negotiate the research process and evaluate sources. These simple strategies, once learned, will make your life much easier. Be patient and as organized as you can be.
Library research takes time, so plan for it to do so.
Attempt to accomplish your research in identifiable chunks. Avoid repeating searches by compiling a folder or notebook on your topic. Writing down the citation in the bibliographic style you are going to use saves time later on when writing the paper. The purpose of the Duke online catalog is to provide records for what we own and have access to here at Duke. It should be one of the first resources you consult.