When beginning your library research, start with the online card catalog. Your best bet may be to find a few general books on the subject, and then study the bibliographies in the back of the books. Oftentimes, the very best sources are found this way. You may note, as you read, that one person may be quoted repeatedly in several articles. This should tell you that this person may be an authority. (See if their name is in the catalogue.) If you run across the mention of an article while reading another article or book, go find it. Use encyclopedias, reference books, newspapers, databases, the librarians, and the World Wide Web. Research is a back-and-forth process.
As you can, make a list of sources you won't use, sources you might use, and sources you will definitely use. Make bibliography cards for the latter two right away. Photocopy all material that you might or will use--even pamphlets and personal books. This will save you time later, should you need to return to the library. If you conduct a good deal of research, the first list will help you keep up with sources you've already checked (unless you enjoy checking them three and four times).
Reasearch Tips:
1. A good tip for beginning research is to have a basic understanding of your concept first.
Try doing some initial researching to get a basic understanding or definition of your topic.
Try using an online encylopedia. Hint: While searching for a basic definition of your topic, keep a list of similar terms or related words that you may use later in your research.
Make sure you know your audience. Stick to a certain tone, whether it's formal, informal, funny, pleading, etc.
Be aware of the possible counter-arguments that would go against what you are trying to say. Only address these points in your essay if you have good ways to respond to them.
Avoid the use of personal pronouns such as "I" or "you". This takes away from your writing's professional touch.
Use synonyms. Having the same word over and over will place a toll on the reader's nerves. Mix it up a bit.
When restating, do not duplicate any sentence. Your audience will not skip over any part, so there isn't a need for stressing the same point over and over.
Make each sentence count. Adding extra sentences will not drive your point home. Keep the essay clear by keeping it concise.
2. Keep a research log. This will help you keep track of where you found your information and make it easier when you cite your sources. The OHS Library has more samples of research logs if you would like to try a different one.
Database Instructions:
Olympia High School Library offers a huge variety of online resources for student use. Online databases are often your best resource for information for research projects.
Why use a database instead of Google?
Databases are reliable. They are an online collection of professional print resources. If a source has a print version, usually that means its author is a professional or an expert in the field, and that it has been edited and checked for accuracy.
There is no editor on the Internet. No one is checking facts, and information you find on the Internet isn't always true or accurate.
Databases provide you with access to the same professional journals and publications used by experts in a field. If you want to do your best research, you need to be using the best resources. Experts don’t rely on Google for their information.
Things to Keep in Mind When Using a Database:
Different databases contain different types of information. Read decriptions to ensure the database you're using fits your assignment best.
Look to see if your database has an advanced search function. If it does, you can use the advance search to refine your results to make sure you're getting the most releveant resources
Figure out if the database you're using is full text or if it provides only citation information. Full text means you can get the article right now on your screen; citation only means you'll have to order a copy of the article.
Keep in mind that some databases might contain pictures, video clips and other non-print resources.
Choosing your Keywords
How successful you are at finding your information depends on your choice of keywords or search terms. It's unlikely there is no information in any database on your topic, so if you're not getting any results, you might be using the wrong keywords.
Check your spelling. While capitalization doesn't matter, spelling does.
Use synonyms. If the first terms you try don't produce results, try to think of other words for your topic. Try to come up with a list of possible keywords before you begin searching.
Use your keyword choice to help control the number of results you get. Basic keywords will ususally produce a large number of results - sometimes too many, and sometimes not what you need. To narrow your results and to retrieve more relevant results, try more specific keywords or more complex combinations of keywords. If your database has one, use the advanced search function to help.
How to do Research :
