Conducting library research according to a plan will save time and help produce better results. The outline below can apply to almost any subject; adapt it to your needs.
Choose a topic Ask these questions: Am I interested in the topic? Is the topic the right size? Can the topic be documented with library materials at hand? Find topic ideas in newspapers, magazines, encyclopedias, yearbooks, news digests, textbooks, or lectures or from teachers or librarians. Consult the red, five-volume Library of Congress Subject Headings listing to see how a specific subject is organized or to find broader, narrower, or related terms. State your topic as a question. Start a list of subjects, keywords, or terms identifying major concepts which you can use as search terms.
Find background information Background reading will help limit the topic and find bibliographies and important sources. Find background information in general and subject-specific encyclopedias, handbooks, annuals, news digests, or books on the general subject. People are often tempted to skip this crucial step; however, in the long run, it is more efficient to do background reading first. Add to or modify your list of search terms.
Narrow the topic Based on your interests and the library resources available, narrow the topic according to time span, place, discipline, or specific event/group/individual/category/aspect. The process of narrowing or revising your topic may continue throughout your research. As you uncover possible resources, look for bibliographies. Also look at subject headings for additional subjects to search. Continue to update your list of search terms.
Formulate a thesis statement or question Summarize the main point of your paper in one or two sentences. Think of your research as searching for the answer to a question; the answer to the question is your preliminary thesis statement. The more specific you can make your question and statement, the more it will help you plan your research, limit your note-taking, and organize your findings. The remainder of your research and note-taking will gather evidence to defend, clarify, and develop your thesis statement. You will examine viewpoints and opinions, evaluate sources of information, and distinguish between evidence and opinion.
Develop a working bibliography A working bibliography is a list of promising-looking sources. Starting with the more specific search terms from your search terms list, search for books and other materials pertinent to your thesis in TOPCAT; try searching both by Subject and by Keyword. Print out the book call numbers so you can locate them; since library materials are shelved according to discipline, you should browse nearby books to see if they apply to your topic. You may also want to search other libraries’ (outside the SWITCH consortium) electronic catalogs; you will need to allow extra time to visit other area libraries or to request materials via interlibrary loan. Consult a librarian for an InfoPass (for area libraries); an interlibrary loan request (for distant libraries) is available either electronically at the library's Web page or in paper in the library office.
Search for citations, abstracts, or full text periodical articles in online or CD-ROM databases. If you are not sure which databases to search, consult a librarian. Print out the periodical citations so you can locate the periodicals. To find some periodicals, you may need to visit other area libraries or use an interlibrary loan request.
As you search, continuously update your list of search terms and narrow, broaden, or revise your topic as needed. Critically examine the books, periodical articles, and other materials your catalog and database searching finds for bibliographies, for expertise, timeliness, and authority, and to see if they actually contain the information you need. If you are using Internet sources, be sure they meet your instructor’s criteria for accuracy and authority.
Take notes After identifying those books, articles, and other materials which appear to be useful, think critically as you read and take notes. Distinguish between evidence and opinion -- evidence answers who-what-when-where-why-how questions in the form of statistics, facts, data, records, case histories, demonstrations, or testimony from experts or primary sources whereas opinion does not. Label each note card with a key concept (word or phrase); also list the author and page number of the source. Notes should summarize ideas or information; direct quotes need to be clearly marked. (Visit http://www.indiana.edu/%7Ewts/wts/plagiarism.html "Plagiarism: what it is and how to recognize and avoid it" or similar resources for information regarding plagiarism.)
Write the paper Labeling note cards with their key concepts should help in organizing your paper. Making an outline will help structure your paper in a logical framework. Refer to handbooks such as the Publication manual of the APA, the Chicago manual of style, the MLA handbook for writers of research papers, or others for help in writing and formatting. Consult with the CUW Learning Resource Center for help in sharpening your writing skills.
