Before you begin your research, it is useful to design a search strategy. Using the steps outlined below will help you focus your research and locate relevant sources for writing your paper.
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 Define the Topic
Identify the Type of Information Needed
Getting Started
Search for Sources
Evaluate Results
Ask for Help
Cite Sources
Define the Topic
- What is your specific topic? What is the main idea of the paper?
- If possible, try to find a topic that interests you.
- Write down your topic and the related issues using keywords, phrases, or complete sentences.
- Brainstorm, but try to be specific in identifying and narrowing your topic.
Identify the Type of Information Needed
- What types of information do you need -- books, scholarly journals, magazine articles, newspaper articles, or Internet sites?
- How many sources do you need?
- Do you need historical or current information?
- What is the purpose of the assignment? Do you need to argue a position on a topic, expand your knowledge of a subject, provide comparative information or present different points of view?
Getting Started
- You may want to start out by reading about your topic in a specialized encyclopedia, dictionary or handbook.
These reference sources can provide an overview or historical perspective, define special terms, and identify key events, dates or people related to your topic. Encyclopedia articles may include bibliographies or references to other sources where you can find additional information.
- Look for your topic in books such as the Information Plus series, Taking Sides (both located near the reference desk), or CQ Researcher (Located in the Periodicals Department).
These reference sources provide current information on controversial topics, and may include an overview or chronology of the topic, statistics, pro and con arguments, and recommendations for finding more sources.
Search for Sources
- Use the keywords that describe your topic to start your search for information.
- Search the online catalog for books or videos in the library's collection.
- Search for articles in the online databases available at the library website or use the print indexes available in the library to find articles in magazines, academic journals and newspapers.
The library has subject-specific print indexes for finding articles in areas such as nursing and allied health, social sciences and humanities, business, education, science and technology.
Online databases include:
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Infotrac - full-text magazine and scholarly journal articles covering a broad range of subjects
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NewsBank - full-text newspaper articles from around the United States; includes general news as well as business news
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CQ Researcher - detailed information on current, controversial subjects
NOTE: If you are accessing these databases off-campus, you must first register for a Username and Password; access is limited to currently enrolled students and staff.
Evaluate the Results
Organize the resources you have found to make sure that you have enough information and that the sources are relevant to your topic.
Use a critical eye to evaluate the information you find. Some criteria to consider include:
- Authority
- Who is the author?
- Is the author a specialist in the field?
- Accuracy
- Is the information accurate and complete?
- Is it consistent with other information you have found?
- Objectivity
- Does the source provide a neutral perspective of the topic or is it biased toward a particular point of view?
- Was it produced in association with a special interest group?
- Date of Publication
- How current is the information?
- Is current information important for your topic, or do you need historical information?
- Coverage
- Is the source comprehensive for the topic?
- Does it present multiple viewpoints?
- Usefulness
- Does the source include a table of contents, an index, or bibliography?
- Does it include tables, charts, graphs, maps, illustrations or photographs to support the topic?
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If you need help finding additional sources of information or need assistance with the library's electronic resources, please ask at the Reference Desk.
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Victor Valley College has a librarian on duty at all times when the library is open .
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For self-paced learning, try using a copy of the Students' Guide to Library Research available at the Circulation Desk.
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If you have specific questions about how to write a research paper or essay, the Writing Center is available to assist you.
Cite Your Sources
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