Library Research Process

Library research involves the step-by-step process used to gather information in order to
write a paper, create a presentation, or complete a project. As you progress from one step to
the next, it is commonly necessary to back up, revise, add additional material or even change
your topic completely. This will depend on what you discover during your research. There are
many reasons for adjusting your plan. For example, you may find that your topic is too broad
and needs to be narrowed, sufficient information resources may not be available, what you
learn may not support your thesis, or the size of the project does not fit the requirements.

The research process itself involves identifying and locating relevant information, analyzing
what you found, and then developing and expressing your ideas. These are the same skills you
will need on the job when you write a report or proposal.

Secondary sources are studies by other researchers. They describe, analyze, and/or evaluate
information found in primary sources. By repackaging information, secondary sources make
information more accessible. A few examples of secondary sources are books, journal and
magazine articles, encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, periodical indexes, and reviews,
etc.

Primary sources are original works. These sources represent original thinking, report on
discoveries, or share new information. Usually these represent the first formal appearance of
original research. Primary sources include statistical data, manuscripts, surveys, speeches,
biographies/autobiographies, diaries, oral histories, interviews, works or art and literature,
research reports, government documents, computer programs, original documents(birth
certificates, trial transcripts...) etc.

Before you begin any project, it is essential to have a plan. Whether your project is a two
page paper or a literature review, a research plan will help. Developing a plan will save time,
stress and in the final analysis, yield a superior product.

1. Define your topic

For topic ideas try the following:
o Browse current/hot topics sites, such as CQ Researcher & TopicSearch
o Browse current interest magazines or newspapers for stories of interest
o Browse encyclopedias or other reference books
o Browse "10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects, Reports and Speeches" (Ref LB1047.3
L35 1998)
o Listen to radio or television programs
o Talk to people, such as teachers, friends

One way to define your topic is to select a broad topic, then identify one or more sub
topics you might like to explore.

o Broad topic: ______________________________

 Sub topic: ___________________________
 Sub topic: ___________________________
 Sub topic: ___________________________

Another approach is to select a topic, then list possible questions, such as...
 o Who?
o What?
o Where?
o When?
o Why?
o How?
2. Write a thesis or problem statement: Begin with a question, research the topic further,
then develop an opinion.
3. Make an outline. Even a quick one will help organize your thoughts and keep your
research and your topic focused.
4. Develop a Search Strategy.

Make a list of subjects or keywords that might be useful in your search. Consider synonyms,
such as hare and rabbit, or dog and canine. Alternate spellings are also common, try
variations such as Athabascan, Athabaskan, Athapascan, or Athapaskan.

Consider what the best sources for information you need might be. What type of information
will you need? For tips on locating relevant sources see Library Search Strategy.

o books
o periodicals
o newspapers
o government documents
o biographical sources
o videos
o reference books: almanacs, etc.
o people (experts)
o archives/special collections
o Internet sources
o other?

Consider where you would look for the sources you have selected:

o The UAF Library Catalog or WorldCat

o General periodical and newspaper indexes
o Alaska Periodical Index or other specialized periodical indexes
o Archives - finding aids, assistance from archives staff
o Expert knowledge (professionals, scientists, elders, etc.)
o Call agency/association
o Other?

Always gather more information/citations than you think you might need.Some items
might be missing, checked out, not owned by the library, etc.

o If you get stumped ask for help at the Reference Desk, ask a friend, or send your
instructor an e-mail.
o Remember the 15 minute rule -- if you've spent 15 minutes trying to figure something
out in your research activities, ask for help.
o When searching online databases -- read the screens carefully and remember that it
takes the same amount of time to find an article that is 1/8 of a page long as one that
is 10 pages long -- use your time wisely. It may be that a smaller article gives you
exactly the information you need, but if you're looking for extensive information, the
longer article or the book will likely go into more depth on the topic, AND lead you to
 additional resources through its bibliographies. Take time to read the HELP or HOW
TO SEARCH screens. Take advantage of Boolean searching and other searching tips to
refine and improve the accuracy of your search.
o If you think you'll need assistance in your research try to use the library during times
when the Reference Desk is open.
5. Evaluate your sources. Examine your citations and read the information contained in
the articles, documents, books, etc. Consider their authority, accuracy, objectivity,
currency, and coverage, to see if they are appropriate for your topic.
6. Take careful notes. To save time, gather complete information the first time.

Document your sources carefully and take notes (with page numbers).If you do have to refer
back to the source, it will save time if this information is readily available and you will
need it for your bibliography or "works cited" list. For each source that you find, gather
the following information:

For Books: Required citation elements are indicated in bold

o Author:
o Title:
o Publisher (location, name, date):
o Helpful information to relocate material, if necessary (optional):
o Page numbers:
o Call number (if any):
o Subject you searched:
o Persistent Link for electronic resources:

For Articles: Required citation elements are indicated in bold

o Article title:
o Author's name (if any):
o Title of periodical:
o Volume & Issue number (if any):
o Page numbers:
o Date:
o Helpful information to relocate material, if necessary (optional):
o Call number of journal (if any):
o Index searched:
o Subject searched:
o Persistent Link for electronic resources:
7. Writing and revising the paper. Allow plenty of time for the writing process. Your thesis
and/or outline may need to be revised to reflect what was discovered during your
research.

8. Document your sources. Give credit for the intellectual work of others. Many citation
style guides are available in print and via the Internet. If you are not sure which citation
style is appropriate for your project/paper, check with your instructor.

Additional Resources:
https://library.uaf.edu/ls101-research-process

Apr3,2020 Besral