5 Steps to Better Library Research

1 Get started

Start by choosing a broad topic — could be a course theme, an assignment prompt, current debate in your field, or something you’re curious about. You’ll narrow it down in Step 3.

2 Gather background information

Before you begin your research, get background information on your topic. This will save you time and prevent frustration! Start by looking in:

• Encyclopedias
• Dictionaries
• Class textbooks

These resources can often provide you with a list of books and articles on your topic.

3 Narrow your topic

For research projects, it is critical to choose a topic that is not too broad. To narrow the focus of your topic, limit by:

• Time
• Place
• Person or group
• Aspect
• Other Limiters

Choose at least 3 limiters using the above examples, or come up with your own.

4 Form a search question

Now that you have your topic narrowed, it is useful to phrase it in the form of a question. This helps you to:

• Keep your research focused
• Choose resources that provide answers
• Develop a thesis statement

5 Create a search term list

The last step is to create a list of search terms to use when searching for books and articles with the library’s electronic catalogs and databases.

• Identify the key terms and concepts in your research question.
• Choose related terms for your key concepts.

Ready to try it yourself? Download the printable worksheet.