HOW TO CONDUCT LIBRARY RESEARCH TIPS ON RESEARCH

HOW TO CONDUCT LIBRARY RESEARCH

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 1 • Students often start their research by using the Internet: The tip here is to realise that basic information can often be quicker and easier to find in a book and encyclopaedia.

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 2 • Be sure you understand the question you are trying to find the answer for: If you find it difficult to explain it to someone else, then go back to your tutor/teacher and check your understanding

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 3 • If the title of the book doesn’t appear to relate exactly to a research question, then is it relevant? : The tip here is to look through the contents AND the index

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 4 • Use the Library Catalogue: Even if you’ve been shown how to use the catalogue, it’s easy to forget. Do ask for advice and help — it feels good when you know how.

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 5 • Some students sometimes think they are using the Internet for an hour for assignment research, when what actually happens is this: • 10 minutes spent on research - with lots printed out! • 20 minutes on checking and sending e-mails • 20 minutes on general sites — shopping/music/cars/soaps/phones/films • 10 minutes on research — with more printing

TIPS ON RESEARCH • This is probably part of your working or learning style, but it is not effective as a research strategy. • You need a sense of purpose, so how about analysing your research topic, then making a list of 4 or 5 questions you want answers to • Keep your searching focused and ask for help if you get stuck.

TIPS ON RESEARCH TIP 6 • Can you believe everything you read on screen? : • NO is the short answer. The web address (URL) gives clues about the information • Most websites don't belong to companies or organisations. • They are often published as a hobby or for political reasons. They can be: • inaccurate • out of date • biased

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 7 • A website is likely to be unofficial if the address (URL): • does not include any of the following: gov, ac, . co. uk, org, . com at the end of the address • it is very long • includes free web hosting companies such as Yahoo, AOL, geocities or freewebspace • The more you use the web, the more familiar you'll become with different URLs

TIPS ON RESEARCH • The most reliable websites are often set up by official organisations and businesses. They can often be identified by their web address. For example: • . com The "standard" ending to web address often used by commercial organisations http: //www. microsoft. com • . org Generally used by not for profit organisations http: //www. oxfam. org • . co. uk A company's website based in the UK http: //www. bbc. co. uk • . ac. uk or. sch. uk University, schools and colleges http: //www. loreto. ac. uk/

TIPS ON RESEARCH • TIP 8 • Be organised – planning time use is essential when there are many demands on your time. • Make sure that you set aside one or more periods of time each week when you devote yourself to research and don’t let other demands impinge on this time.