Library Research Tutorial

What is Research?

• Research is the investigation of a topic
• Research is looking for information that informs your topic
• Research is finding reliable sources
• Research is not seeking information to prove what you already think, such as your opinion, point or bias

Why do you need sources?

• Research is about gathering facts from information sources
• Research is the only way to explore and learn more about your topic
• Reliable sources are the only way that you can speak truthfully about your topic

Research is a process

It requires:

• knowing the assignment requirements
• time to fully explore a topic
• discovery to learn more about your topic, and not seeking to prove your point or opinion
• understanding the wide variety of information sources available
• knowing what is credible information and what is not
• academic honesty, including giving proper credit to the authors of your sources of information