FOUN 098 47: Becoming an Adult: Research Tips

Need help getting started with your research? This guide provides you with help for each step of the research process. Click DIY to visit the guide.

Tips for efficient and effective research:

1. Give yourself plenty of time! Finding, evaluating, and using sources isn't easy and you'll avoid stress and frustration by starting early.
2. Read about your topic to get to know it. This will make it much easier to formulate a thesis statement that is researchable and interesting to you (who wants to research and write about something that isn't interesting?).
3. Get started with your research by looking for a Research by Subject Guide covering your subject area. Each guide provides a curated set of the most helpful resources the Bertrand Library has to offer in the subject area. 
4. Don't be afraid to use books. Use the table of contents and index to quickly find a chapter or location in the book that is relevant. When you look for a book on the shelf, be sure to look nearby too. You may find something even better than what you initially wanted to find.
5. Cite your sources as you write. Use a citation generator to create a full citation each time you locate a source you think you might use. Put an in-text citation in your work as you're writing so you don't forget which source the quote or borrowed content came from.
6. Don't get frustrated! Consult with a librarian. Our research skills and experience can help you find more effective ways to get the information you need!