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Using the Library: Research

This guide is a break down of what the library can offer and how we can help you be your best (student) self!

The research process

Why do I Need to Research?

Research is the systematic study of sources and materials in order to find out information. Research allows us to:

  • Establish Facts
  • Develop Ideas
  • Arrive at Conclusions

Social Media and Information

Social Media and Information

Social media apps such as Instagram have develop forms of sharing information such as infographics. Infographics are often designed to fit the square format of instagram, often using attractive graphic design as a way of easily sharing theories and information. While this can be helpful for finding out about different perspectives and for engaging with contemporary discourse, this should not be the end point of your research. These should be treated as prompts and the ignition of an interest to pursue reading material and other peer reviewed sources.

Mind Mapping

Steps from mind-map to finished product:

  • Brainstorm - let the ideas flow freely and jot down whatever comes to mind

          

  • Refine - break it up into chapter or topic sections

           

  • Bullet Points - translate your map into bullet points. If you are using X-Mind this step is automatic.

           

  • Get Writing - slot in your quotes and expand your ideas following the bullet points.

          

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Research Tips

The number one tip for undertaking college research is don't just rely on Google!

It's just one way of searching the internet, and the results it shows you can be biased - the results you see are affected by things like your location and browsing history.

It's perfectly ok to use Google Scholar to start off, just don't rely on it alone. The same goes for Wikipedia. It's fine to use for quickly getting up to speed on a topic that you don't know much about, but don't rely on it alone.

Here are some research tips to keep in mind:

1. Define your Needs:

  • What information do you need?
  • What words would you use to describe the information you need?
  • What is the best place to find this information?

Try not to rely too heavily on sources you find online - not all of the world's infromation is available on the internet. You might miss out on a lot if you only use online resources.

Try to draw your information from many different types of sources too (e.g. journals, videos, books).

This helps avoid major gaps in your information.

2. Find Your Sources:

Arthur and Helen Torr Dove’s illustrated diary (Image courtesy of the Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution) Arthur and Helen Torr Dove’s illustrated diary (Smithsonian Institution)

How do you find reliable sources of information quickly and effectively?

The Library holds many kinds of high-quality sources and we can help you find them quickly - just ask us! Check out other libraries, official government publications, community archives too. Search databases and catalogues, talk to your tutors and gallery staff.

Exercise those detective skills!

3. Evaluate Your Information

Not all sources are created equally. Try to figure out how reliable the information is.

Ask Yourself:

  • When was it written?
  • Is it relevant?
  • Is it accurate
  • Is this information reliable? Who is the author and who published it?

Just because something is popular doesn't mean it's accurate.

  • Is this information something that could change quickly?
  • Who created the information?
  • Why did they create it?
  • Has the author published other work on the subject before?
  • Is the source recommended by a tutor or librarian?

Check if your information has been peer reviewed or edited by someone who is an authority on the subject.

Peer review is a process where experts in a subject will evaluate a book or journal before its published - they're checking accuracy, impartiality, and a good methodology. Its a good marker of quality.

Make sure to always look at the date a source was published! If it is not recent, is there value in the context in which the item was originally published - responding to historical events, etc.

 

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Mind Maps for Research

  Nostalgia

Mind-mapping is a powerful way to get started on your essay or research project. It develops a solid structure and saves time.

For visual learners, mind-mapping is one of the absolute best ways to plan a project or writing task. You are probably already using mind-mapping techniques in your visual notebooks. Why not apply these skills to essay-writing too?