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When you look for resources for a class paper or project, you are doing basic research.

The library provides many resources to help you do research including books, articles, and databases.

Google (Feb 16, 2017). What is research? [Image, screen capture]. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/search?q=what+is+research

Research can be broken down into steps. This guide will focus on five steps in more detail:

1. Choosing a topic

2. Identifying resources you will need to write on the topic

3. Searching, locating, and accessing library resources

4. Evaluating the credibility of what you've found

5. Start writing, and citing

Start early, doing research takes time. Don't let yourself get frustrated, there are resources and library staff available to help you at any stage so ask us anytime!

The image below illustrates another way of breaking down the steps of doing research into a continual process:

Conducting research is a key function of a university. The library supports research at all levels and has guides available to assist with advanced research:

• Research Data Management

• Scholarly Communication

• Manage Your Research Identity and Track Your Impact

84% 

of students found that getting started was the hardest part of working on an assignment.

This guide is designed to help you with that process.

Head, J. & Eisenberg, M. (2010). How college students evaluate and use information in the digital age. PEW: Project Information Literacy.