Need help getting started with your library research?

The following guide can help you navigate the research process using resources at the FIU Libraries:

1. I have to give a speech, do a project, present a paper, write a report or write a term paper-- now what...?

   Define your research needs.

   Review class assignment, looking for keywords or terms that can help you define your topic. Use these keywords to search the library catalogs and databases. Also note what types of sources your instructor requires: for example, book chapters, newspaper articles, magazine articles, or peer-reviewed journal articles.

   If you have the freedom to choose your own topic, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest. Additionally, the topic should be one you can research sufficiently in the time allowed, research using the tools and resources readily available to you, read about in a language you read well, and that your professor deems suitable for your assignment.

   Start with a broad topic area (this might already be decided for you as a requirement of a course) and narrow this down to select a specific topic for your paper so that you don’t waste time wading through too much information.

   Deciding on a topic you'd like to write about and defining the parameters of your research is one of the most challenging and important aspects of the research process. If you need more help with this step, consult your professor or look for ideas in the research guides which have been prepared by the subject librarians.

2. I have the topic, but I'm not sure how to approach researching it... Is the Internet the best choice for my research...?

   Develop a research strategy.

   You don't need to be an expert on a topic to do a report about it. After all, you're here to learn. A good place to start (especially if you don't know much about your topic), is the Library Catalog to help you find books that give you general information. Encyclopedias are good for concise explanations and contextual data. A librarian can recommend the best encyclopedias or other reference materials you may want to use.

   Now, you need to build on your basic information and skills. Avail yourself to information in all formats: Books (on the shelves and online); Periodicals (journal, magazine, newspaper articles both on the shelves and through electronic databases); Digital media (videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.); and even some Internet sites.

   Resource Type	Where to Find	Characteristics
   Books	Catalog	Can take years to write and publish; Not very current; Helpful for background information and context.
   Scholarly Journals	Use databases to find articles on a topic; Use the catalog to locate a journal title.	Articles are reviewed by professors and other scholars (called "peer-review"); Can take a long time to review, but are usually more current than books; Helpful for finding research studies and for topics of academic interest.
   Newspapers & Popular Magazines	General databases such as LexisNexis, OmniFile or Academic OneFile.	Not peer-reviewed; Not based on extensive research studies; Very current; Helpful for learning about the latest general-interest news and events.

   Your professor will tell you whether you are allowed to use Web sites as resources. Most people can surf the Internet and find topical information but cannot determine if what they've found is accurate, objective or up-to-date. You can learn how to analyze Web site content by using our Website Evaluation Checklist.

   For assistance on developing the most efficient research strategy and identification of local resources, contact a reference librarian at the library or via Ask a Librarian.

3. I have started my research, but I need assistance finding more sources. Now what?

   Searching for information & deciding where to search

   Databases are your primary search tool for finding articles on a topic. To choose an appropriate database, ask yourself which disciplines are relevant to your topic. A paper about global warming, for example, may be relevant to a number of disciplines including environmental science, political science, and business. Once you decide which discipline(s) to focus on, select databases by subject.

   To find recommended databases to use as starting points by popular disciplines, visit the Research Tab and select the appropriate subject/discipline on the list on the left.

   Are the books you need in other libraries? You can get books from other FIU Libraries, Florida Universities, or community/public libraries.

   Inter-library Loan can help you obtain books and articles that FIU doesn't own. Please keep in mind that this can take several days or weeks. Directions and forms for Inter-library Loan are available online.

   Also, consult with the librarians. They can recommend other resources and help you fine-tune your search for information.

   Evaluating Resources:Scholarly vs Non-Scholarly Sources

   Most college-level assignments expect you to take a critical view of all your sources, not just those you may have found online. It is always important to consider whether the authors of what you are reading are properly qualified and present convincing arguments. Because your time for careful reading is limited, try to skim through your sources first to decide whether they are truly helpful. Once you have chosen your best sources, read the most relevant ones first, leaving the more tangential material aside to use as background information.

   Learning to identify scholarly (often known as "peer-reviewed") and non-scholarly sources of information is an important skill to cultivate. Many databases provide help with making this distinction.

   Additionally, Ulrich's Directory of Publications is a database that can be searched to check to check the publication type (scholarly, refereed, magazine, etc).

   If you are using the internet for research, it is especially important to evaluate the accuracy and authority of the information you find there. Learn more about evaluating information on the web.

   	Scholarly Journals	Trade Publications	Magazines
   Written for	Professors & students	Workers in a specific industry	General public
   Written by	Scholars	Professional writers and industry experts	Professional writers
   Appearance	Usually plain with few color illustrations; advertisements limited to books and journals; may have tables, graphs, formulas; photographs	Glossy with industry-specific advertisements	Glossy with advertisements
   Articles	Have a list of references (citations), e.g., Works Cited, Bibliography Written in technical and scholarly language Report current and innovative research and scholarship Are usually 10 pages or more in length Reviewed by other scholars prior to publication	May have a brief list of sources, e.g., interviews, magazines Written in technical language specific to the industry Report industry trends and news Are usually less than 10 pages in length Reviewed by professional editor employed by the publication	Almost never have a list of references or sources Written in relatively simple language appropriate for the intended audience Report current topics and events Are usually less than 10 pages in length Reviewed by professional editor employed by the publication
   Examples	Journal of Adolescence Journal of Popular Culture	Advertising Age CD Computing News	Ebony Elle Newsweek

4. I have all of my sources, and I'm ready to write my paper. What else do I need to do?

   Proper Citation Styles

   Review your bibliography or works cited page. Have you cited all of your resources?

   As soon as you’re ready to start writing, you’re going to need to be prepared to track and cite your sources correctly. Giving others credit for their words and ideas is not only good academic practice, it is critical to fulfilling the requirements of the University's Honor Code.

   Your professor may want you go use a certain citation style manual or guide. Be sure you know which citation format (MLA, APA, etc.) they require. These will tell you how to cite your sources. The library has paper copies of all style guides at the reference and reserve desks, and help sites are available online. Contact us if you need help tracking-down sources for complete citations. Luckily, if you’re using a bibliography preparation tool like RefWorks or Zotero, this stage will be simple: the software does the work for you!

   The Green Library and Biscayne Bay Campus Library both have open computer labs available for students; they are one-stop sources for research,studying, word processing and printing copies. Click here for library hours at all campuses. Good luck!

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