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Getting Started
What to Expect With Library Research
Library research is one of many different types of research:
- Library research: Identifying and locating sources of factual information and expert opinion to answer a research question
- Experimental research: Using specific procedures or equipment in a lab or other controlled environment to test a specific theory or hypothesis
- Field research: Going to the site of a phenomenon under study to observe it
- Survey research: Posing a series of questions to a group of people
- Archival research: Closely examining original documents
...and more
It is also a component of every other research type at some point in the process. Learning how to identify relevant databases and websites, conduct advanced searches, and get help from a librarian when you need it, are essential academic skills.
The Road Map to Research
Doing library research can be kind of like taking a road trip. There are places along the way you have to plan, make decisions, and then slowly move ahead to explore and document what you find. This map shows some important steps, which you can learn more about by clicking on the pin icons (
).
Or you can read a text-based version of the steps below the map.
Road Map to Research (text-based version)
1. PLAN YOUR TRIP
- Understand your assignment parameters. Do you need to write an annotated bibliography or literature review?
- Note due dates.
- Consider possible topics you could choose.
2. GET THE LAY OF THE LAND
- Conduct background research online to familiarize yourself with the topic(s) you're considering.
- Look at encyclopedias and other background reference resources.
- Consider possible directions and areas of focus.
3. CHOOSE YOUR ROUTE
- Narrow down your topic, create a research question, or draft a thesis statement.
- Think about what types of information you need and where you might find them.
- Set deadlines and milestones.
4. GET ON THE ROAD
- Select keywords for your topic and pick databases and other resources you are going to search.
- Conduct multiple searches in relevant databases.
- Gather your information sources together in one place.
5. MAKE A PIT STOP
- Evaluate your sources using different frameworks.
- Is the information you found current, accurate, and reliable?
- Are there any gaps in the perspectives you're considering?
6. KEEP GOING
- Try using different keywords, noting any synonyms or related terms you find as you search.
- Consider other databases to search. Have you looked everywhere you can?
- Ask for help if you need it!
7. CHECK IN & UNPACK
- Review and thoroughly read the sources you have found.
- Start writing, using your sources as a foundation.
8. EXPLORE & DOCUMENT
- Fill in any gaps by digging deeper into the resources you found, or follow citations to other materials.
- Express and document your ideas.
9. FINISH YOUR TRIP
- Polish everything off by reviewing and editing your work.
- Include any finishing touches, adding diagrams, images, etc.
- Cite your sources, using the citation style required for your class.
The content under "What to Expect with Library Research" was adapted with permission from the Library Research Skills Tutorial © Concordia University Library.
This guide is licenced under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, except whether otherwise indicated.
All image sources are listed in this image credits document.