Understand the assignment
If you are not sure of what the assignment is about, ask your professor for clarification.
Time management
Manage your time and plan ahead. Do not wait until the last minute. Research and writing take time.
Select topics or themes
Select at least two topics or themes. Sometimes you may find more information on a second topic or theme. Think of it as a back-up plan.
Brainstorm
Once you have selected your topic, brainstorm and think of key terms that would help you narrow down your research. Learn how to use Truncation and Boolean Operators.
Find information
Use the library's resources. Use the catalog to find print sources, ebooks (electronic books), or audiovisual materials. Use the library databases to find credible sources to support your research.
Databases vs. websites
When doing research, you may find online information using the online library databases provided by your school or websites from the Internet. It is always a good practice to use the information found on the library databases because you will find credible sources that are written by experts on the field or subject.
When using websites from the Internet, you probably want to use them as your last resource and ask your professor if it is okay to use them. Since anybody can publish on the Internet, make sure you evaluate the information on the websites for accuracy and reliability. Read the information provided by Virginia Tech's University Libraries on evaluating Internet sources.
Check out a short video from Modesto Junior College Library and learn more about the differences between online databases and websites.
Ask questions
Ask a librarian to show you how to use the library's resources such as the catalog, databases, reference materials, etc. Librarians can also help you develop strategies that would help you with your research process.
Citations
When finding a source, get all of the necessary information from the source. You will need this information for your citations page. Check the Citations tab for more information.
Other services
Use other services on campus. The Writing Center is a great place to get help with your writing process. The tutors in the Tutorial Services can guide you in understanding your assignment, organizing your work as well as giving you feedback on your draft.