LIBRARY RESEARCH

When you have a research project, such as a paper or speech or class presentation, you may have to develop your own topic or you may be given a general one. In either case, the sooner you decide on a topic, the quicker you can focus your research and get to actually writing. A specific topic is easier to research because you won't have to plow through huge piles of general information.

Step 1: Choosing a Topic

If you don't have a good idea for a topic, talk to the librarians. They can show you some sources that help generate ideas that you can turn into research topics.

On the Oswalt Library website the following listing of resources can be very helpful to you in selecting a topic.  Look under A to Z List of Resources and find

     Hot Paper Topics I

     Hot Paper Topics II 

    Hot Topics III
 

Also, a listing of current “hot” topics can be found on the opening screen of many databases.  

Step 2: Developing a Topic

If you have a good background in your general topic, you can start on your topic by selecting specific resources, but usually it is worth scanning an encyclopedia or textbook to pick up keywords and important ideas, people, dates, etc.

Search this online Encyclopedia: World Book Online Reference Center.  World Book Advanced now links you from the subject to articles in EBSCO, e-Books, websites, and primary sources.

Background Information

Write down as much information on your topic as possible.  Focus on what you already know about the topic. The more ideas you can put down, the easier it will be to develop the topic.

Step 3: Finding Your Sources

There are many different types of information – books, magazines, online resources – just to name a few. You probably will need a combination so look over the categories below and decide where to focus your energies.

It often saves time in the long run to look at an encyclopedia article on your topic. Your instructor may not allow you to use a general encyclopedia as a reference, but you can gain valuable knowledge on your topic if you will begin your research here.  Major ideas and facts will be given, and when you look at more specific sources later, you will have a better understanding of which ones are more significant. Librarians know good sources of background material for topics, so ask.

Hard Facts
 

Any research project is stronger if hard facts -- statistics, formulas, budget figures, etc. -- are included.  Reference sources (both books and on-line) are the most likely places to locate these (although they will show up in almost all sources). Check out for an example:

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center

Opinions and Current Events
 

Although these are totally separate concerns, they are most likely to show up in the same places: periodical articles and the Internet. These resources purchased by the College from reliable vendors are updated on a regular basis and focus primarily on specific issues. Individual's opinions are often stressed. 

 NewsBank

Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center

CQ Researcher

Issues and Controversies

SIRS Researcher

In-depth Information

For projects that require a deeper knowledge of a topic, books and scholarly journals are generally the best sources. They are longer than the sources listed above, and they are usually written by experts.

MAGNOLIA - EBSCOhost - Academic Search Premier

Finally

You need to check out a couple of books on your topic and read the chapters that have in-depth information on your area of concentration.  The online catalog provides access to the holdings of all three libraries in the college district.