Basic Library Research   Tags: library_research, research  

"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

"That depends a good deal on where you want to get to," said the Cat.

-- from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This is not a general search form for research - it does, however, let you ask the library staff questions through the LibAnswers system. 

The process of library research can be overwhelming, especially with the broad array and number of resources available to you. 

Think of the research process like a funnel.  A funnel is used often to get material that is uncontrolled into a small, narrow space with the least amount of loss or spillage.  In library research we are dealing initially with a large number of resources which you will need to narrow down into a product that says what you want it to say-- with good resources to back you up.

As you start your research, remember that you will start broadly, and begin to narrow down your subject, and the sources that you discover will follow that same path.

Overview of Library Research

• Select a topic
• Use overview sources
• Use bibliographies
• Use books
• Use journal articles
• Evaluate your material for content and credibility.

Click on the tabs above to find out about each step as outlined above.