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Researching information for a particular assignment with an all-too-soon due date, finding information to answer a personal question, or looking for answers to satisfy your curiosity, all begin with the same approach -- an organized research strategy. If you begin logically and follow through the necessary steps, your task will be accomplished in a straightforward way with fewer frustrations. Taking time initially to lay the preliminary groundwork will save time and wasted effort.
General encyclopedias, specific handbooks, and other reference sources may contain an overview of a topic. They may reflect the amount of material available and help you limit the scope of the project. This is an excellent starting point.
Start with the Library Catalog. Books can be found by searching for author, title, or subject. Ask a librarian to show you how to use the library catalog. Try different subject entries and check the subdivisions of subjects that will pinpoint specific aspects. Don't be afraid to browse in the shelves for books with similar call numbers to those you find listed in the catalog. OPEN THE BOOKS to check for information and read the table of contents, the chapter titles, the index, appendices, charts, maps, etc. If you can't find the resources that you need at your local or school library, you may get them from other libraries through interlibrary loan or check the online databases available to you - just ask your librarian.
To find magazine articles, you'll need to use an index or online database. Articles can be found by searching for author, article title, magazine title, or subject. Remember that magazines may have a specific point-of-view that may slant their coverage of a subject. Check with a librarian for an indication of the scope or purpose of a particular magazine. Are you writing an "opinion" paper? Or, do you have some responsibility to present ideas from a balanced perspective?
To find newspaper articles, you'll need to use an index or online database. Articles can be found by searching for author, article title, newspaper title, or subject. Newspapers are an excellent source for finding very current information on a topic. Remember that newspapers may have a specific point-of-view that may slant their coverage of a subject. Check with a librarian for an indication of the scope or purpose of a particular newspaper.
Learning to Research in the Library is a useful tool from the Internet Public Library
Search Strategies from the Cal Poly Library offers helpful information on how to use any search engine more effectively