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How to Do Research @ the Library: Welcome

Welcome to the RCC Library's "How to Do Research @ the Library" Guide!

Use this guide to GET STARTED on your research and to:

  • understand the steps in the basic research process
  • find primary and secondary sources for your research assignments
  • evaluate sources and cite your sources in a standardized format

ANALYZE → SEARCH → EVALUATE↓

ANALYZE↓

1. BRAINSTORM A TOPIC -- or ANALYZE YOUR PROBLEM, HYPOTHESIS, OR THESIS.
2. CONDUCT PRELIMINARY BACKGROUND RESEARCH FOR CONTEXT.
3. DEVELOP A RESEARCH QUESTION and/or SEARCH STRATEGY.

SEARCH↓

4. FIND BOOKS.
5. FIND ARTICLES.
6. FIND OTHER WEB or MEDIA SOURCES.

EVALUATE↓

6. EVALUATE YOUR SOURCES.
7. CITE YOUR SOURCES IN A STANDARD FORMAT.
8. WRITE YOUR PAPER OR PRESENT YOUR FINDINGS/EVIDENCE.