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Get Started Researching
Need help getting started with your library research process? We've outlined the research process steps below. We also have guides on using the library and researching specific topics. Step 1. Choose a Research Topic
- Topic Development (from UNCW Writing Center)
- Choosing a Topic (from Purdue Online Writing Lab)
Step 3. Find Background Information
- Try looking up your topic in Funk & Wagnalls New World Encyclopedia, Gale Virtual Reference Center, or Sage eReference.
- Look for subject encyclopedias by searching the Library Catalog (e.g. encyclopedia and psychology)
Step 4. Find Books
- View a tutorial on Finding Books
- Search for books: Find Books & Print Materials
- Get items from other libraries
Step 5. Find Articles
- View a tutorial on Finding Articles
- Search for articles: Find Articles on a Topic
- Get items from other libraries
Step 6. Evaluate Your Sources
- View a tutorial on Popular vs Scholarly articles
- Learn questions to ask when Evaluating Information
- Evaluating Web Sources
Step 7. Cite your Sources
- Citation & Bibliography Help
- How to Recognize Plagiarism
- Make an Appointment for citation assistance with the Writing Center
Step 8. Write Your Paper & Get Peer Review
- How to create outlines, write drafts and other writing guidelines (pdfs)
- Make an Appointment with the Writing Center
Need Help?
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My Research Strategy
"My Research Strategy" will walk you through the steps of creating a research strategy for your specific topic.
Featured Tutorial
Online Searching Using Randall Library
Get a quick overview of how to do research in Randall Library using our online resources.
Advanced Research Tools
Endnote Web - An online citation management and citation style helper
Alert Services - Get alerts when new articles on your topic are published
Tools & Widgets -Tools to speed up your research
Library Toolbar - Quick access to library resources from your browser
