- Choose a topic for your research and identify specifically what you plan to write about.
- Decide what type of information is needed. For example, you may need statistics or historical dates and facts or informative articles from magazines or newspapers.
- Identify the main subjects, synonyms, related terms, key individuals, dates, locations, etc. These are the terms you will use for research.
- Evaluate whether you are finding useful information and revise your search as needed to obtain additional information.
- Contact a librarian or your instructor if you need additional assistance.
Reference Books
Use reference books to find background information on a topic; facts such as names, dates, places and important issues can be found in reference books. Reference books are on the first floor of Hofheimer Library.
Articles
Articles in journals, magazines, and newspapers can also be useful for a research paper. Articles can be found by searching in databases.
- Article Databases lists databases available to WC students. Search one or more of these databases for journal articles and other information.
- Subject Research Guides provide helpful tips on doing research in specific subject areas.
Web Resources
Search the web to find additional online information and data.
- Identify what type of information is needed in order to search more effectively. For example, labor or crime statistics are likely to be found on a government web site while information about a sculpture is likely to be found at a museum's web site.
- Research for college papers usually requires using both online information sources and print sources. Ask your instructor or librarian for guidance if you have questions.