1. Decide on your topic. Pose the question.
2. Locate background information in reference books and online.
   • Encyclopedias (subject specific)
   • Dictionaries (subject specific)
   • Statistical sources
   • Biographical sources
   • Handbooks
   • Annual Reviews
   • Internet websites
3. Redefine or narrow your topic if necessary.
4. Identify the main subjects or keywords. Consult online or print thesauruses, such as Library of Congress Subject Headings.
5. Find, Select, and Evaluate books.
   • Fisher Library Catalog online
   • Other Library Catalogs online
     • RALLY Cat - Regional libraries
     • WorldCat - holdings worldwide
6. Find, Select, and Evaluate articles.
   • Electronic Research databases
   • Print indexes and abstracting services
   • Bibliographies
   • Internet websites
7. Consult additional sources if necessary.
   • Videos
   • Special Collections

Important Tips

• Know the scope of whatever tool you use.
• Print out or write down a complete citation for each source you use.
• Use interlibrary loan for material not owned by Lavery Library.

Written by Judy Van Buskirk 1/05