Do you know where to start?

A search strategy can save time!
The steps below will guide you and will reduce the stress a research paper can produce.

Most importantly, if you have any questions,

1. Select a Topic.		Decide on a topic that interests you. Consider the amount of time you have available and your instructor's guidelines.
2. Narrow your Topic.		Do you have the correct subject? What are the broader and narrower terms associated with the topic?
3. Use Reference Sources for an Overview and a Background on your Topic.		Look in general encyclopedias and specialized books. In these sources you will find, in addition to a background and an overview, names and dates associated with your topic and a list of other sources where more information might be found (bibliography).
4. Use the Computer Catalog to Look for Books, Cassettes, Videos.		Look under subject unless you have a specific title or author. Sometimes your subject will be covered by a broader topic. Use the terminology associated with your topic.
5. Use the CD-ROM Indexes and Online Article Databases to Look for Articles in Magazines, Newspapers and Journals.		Look under subject unless you have a specific title or author. Sometimes your subject will be covered by a broader topic. Use the terminology associated with your topic.
6. Use Netscape to Find Information on the World Wide Web.		The Web is another resource. Evaluate the information you get. There is a lot of vanity press and grey literature on the Web!
7. Read. Make Note Cards.		Organize your note cards.
8. Prepare Bibliography Cards.
9. Make an Outline.
10. Start Writing.		Use your own ideas, give quotes, facts, statistics.
11. Proofread.
12. Set aside then proofread again.

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