Research Guides: Building a Library Research Strategy: Home

What is this Guide for?

Hello! Need to write a research paper?

At SVC there are many options (beyond Google) where you can find relevant, credible sources for your papers. This guide will take you through the steps of how to find topics, gather sources, evaluate sources, cite your work, and ultimately, write a good paper!

Guide Contents (click or use the top tabs):

Research Pathway

This list describes the general pathway to writing a research paper. Keep in mind... IT IS NOT A LINEAR PROCESS, but a messy and meandering path to a satisfying result!

Select a Topic > Begin with an idea

Find Background Information > Poke around a little...

Refine Your Topic > Narrow or broaden your topic, think about the themes, people, or time frames you are interested in. Maybe even create a research question!

Create a Search Strategy > Decide your first search terms or keywords (these may change later on!) and think about where you'll start looking.

Locate Information > Use the library catalog, databases, and other resources to find articles, books, & high-quality materials for your paper

Evaluate Information > Does what you found really suit your needs an requirements?

Adjust, Refine & Look again! > Sometimes a little more searching is necessary

Write & Cite > Begin the writing process, making sure to cite your sources as you go

Review, Evaluate, Refine, Write & Cite some more > Writing and research often happen at the same time

REMEMBER: At any point in this process you can ASK A LIBRARIAN for help! Library Chat: AskWa Email: mv.library.edu@skagit.edu Phone: 360.416.7847