STEP 1
Define Your Topic |
- Identify the question or problem.
- Determine major concepts and develop a list of synonyms.
- Identify broad subject disciplines.
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STEP 2
Gain General Overview |
- Consult general and subject-specific reference sources.
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- handbooks
- encyclopedias
- almanacs |
- dictionaries
- statistical abstracts |
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STEP 3
Use Multiple Search Tools to Find Appropriate Sources |
BOOKS |
- Use the Library Catalog
- Search by subject or keyword.
- Write down the Library, Location and Call Number.
- Find the book on the shelf.
- If book not found, ask the Reference librarian about Interlibrary Loan.
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| PERIODICAL ARTICLES |
- Use Magazine/Newspaper Databases and Print Indexes.
- Search by subject or keyword.
- Print or email if articles are in full text.
- If not in full text then copy entire citation information.
- Check SRJC Periodicals Holding List for paper or microform formats.
- If not found, ask the Reference librarian about Interlibrary Loan.
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| INTERNET SOURCES |
- Use Search Engines or Subject Directories.
- Search by Keyword, Advance Search or broad Subject Category.
- Print or download information from the World Wide Web, including citation information.
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STEP 4
Evaluate Sources |
- Check source credibility using the How To Evaluate guide.
- Review information to see if it is relevant to research topic.
- Compare if source has consistent information verified by other sources.
- Distinguish between fact, opinion, and point of view.
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STEP 5
Read and Take Notes |
- Take notes.
- paraphrase or quote according to academic plagiarism standards.
- Record all citation elements needed to cite the source.
- book: author, title, publication place, publisher, date.
- article: author, title, periodical title, volume, date, pages.
- website: Author, title, date, name of site sponsor date of access, URL.
- Prepare a bibliography (Works Cited or References).
- consult a style manual or How To Cite guide.
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