Searching for good information is a mix of art and science and it requires a good dose of patience and critical thinking.  

Tips: 

• Keep search phrases simple. Connect your key ideas with AND. Ex:orientalism AND literature
• Put phrases in quotes to search words as a phrase. Ex: "literary criticism"
• Look for words that work! As you read and dig into databases, keep track of Keywords and Subject Terms you come across - and try them!

Contact a librarian if you need help. 

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Research is a strategic process

And it works best when you have a plan! Review these steps below

1. Understand your assignment

• Read your assignment

• Ask questions

• List starting requirements (number of sources, essay type, etc.)

2. Start with a general topic idea 

• Read background information in Reference works and learn

• Ask questions

• Identify key concepts and key words

• Identify key issues and different points of view

• Refine and focus your topic 

3. Find information

• Use keywords to search for information in books, articles, and other sources

• Add to your keywords list: broader terms, narrower terms, related terms

• Use smart search strategies 

4. Evaluate

• Assess your information sources for authority and bias

• Are they good choices for your academic project?

5. Cite Your Sources

• Cite your sources 

• Summarize and evaluate your sources in an annotated bibliography (if your assignment asks for one) 

Image source: "Research Scene Vector.svg" by VideoPlasty is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0