Services and Assistance > Using the Library for Research
This page offers assistance in using the library for research. The
model for this process is based the research of Dr. Carol C. Kuhlthau,
Rutgers University.
General Guidelines
Make your research interesting - Pick a topic that you would enjoy learning more about.
Plan ahead - No library has everything written on every subject. Check early in your search process to see if the material you need is readily available.
Budget your time - You cannot do your best work when you start your assignment the night before it is due.
Avoid plagiarism - Keep a list of the sources you use and give credit to other people’s words and ideas.
Ask for help if you need it - Ask at the Reference Desk if you need help. Other library information guides are also available to assist you in your research.
Remember, research is a process - The research steps contained in this library information guide can be used in any library.
Getting started
Review your assignment to make sure you understand it.
If you have any questions about your assignment, consult your instructor.
Think about your assignment.
Make a list of several broad (general) topics that interest you.
Plan and schedule time to research your topic, write your paper or prepare your presentation, proofread, etc.
Choosing your topic
Discuss a list of possible topics with your instructor.
See if there are library materials available on each of your broad topics. If your topic is too current or too specific there may not be enough information available for you to develop an adequate research project.)
Pick the best possible broad topic by considering:
assignment requirements.
your personal interests.
availability of materials on the topic.
time you need to complete your assignment.
Exploring your topic
Examine your attitudes, biases, and knowledge of your topic. Identify what you would like to learn about it.
Read about your topic to get an overview of it.
Explore your topic to discover possible themes that may serve as a focus for your assignment.
As you go along jot down specialized terms, buzzwords, concepts, authors, titles or other items you may want to check later.
As you are working, browse the shelves for additional material on your topic.
Keep a list of the sources you use. You may need to retrace your steps.
List several possible focuses (aspects of your topic).
Focusing your topic
Select a single theme, problem, issue, or question associated with your topic.
If your topic is still too broad consider limiting to:
a specific population, gender, ethnic group, etc.
a particular geographic location.
a specific time period.
Try to predict the success of each focused topic. Remember to consider:
assignment requirements.
your personal interests.
quality and quantity of materials available on the topic.
time you need to complete your assignment.
Gathering information
Make a thorough search of various types of library materials; collect information which defines, expands, and supports your focus.
Use information from the encyclopedias, dictionaries, books, editorial and news summaries, etc. that you have already consulted.
Check library catalogs for the authors and titles cited in subject bibliographies, encyclopedias, and books.
Add information gathered from newspaper, magazine, or journal articles.
Use primary sources such as letters, diaries, speeches, interviews, etc., when appropriate.
Watch for special materials such as maps, pictures, photographs, charts, statistics, etc., if they are applicable to your project.
Be selective; analyze and evaluate your sources. Consider the biases and scholarly reputation of the author, currency of the material, supporting documentation, etc.
