Research Guides: Building a Library Research Strategy: Home

What is this Guide for?

Hello! Need to start a research paper or project?

At SVC there are many options 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!

Navigate this guide (click or use the top tabs):

Research Pathway

This list describes the general pathway to writing a research paper. Keep in mind...this 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...gain some understanding of your topic

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 or a thesis statement!

Create Keywords or Search terms > Decide your first search terms or keywords (these may change later on!)

Think about where to look > Think about the best place to start your search, whether it's using the library catalog, databases, Internet, and other resources to find articles, books, & high-quality materials for your paper

Evaluate Information > Is what you found really the best source for your 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