How to Read Scholarly Articles: This video from UNLV Libraries gives tips on how to read scholarly articles (you can stop at minute mark 2:33).
The Louisiana State Library has a large collection of online databases and materials that you can access from your computer. The link below will take you the State Library's Louisiana Library Connection page. Take a look at the databases being offered - there might be some specific to your research interest!
The sources listed here can help you get started in your research whether it's using them to browse different topics that might interest you or finding more background information on your topic.