1. Consider your assignment prompt. Should your topic be within a certain subject area? What are the requirements for length, number of sources, or source types (newspapers, scholarly sources, etc.)?
2. Think of things you already know something about and want to learn more about, and that other people might not know already. You get to be the expert! (Still stumped? Browse ideas below!)
3. Brainstorm concepts related to your main topic. This will help you narrow things down. For more information, check out the video on the right!
4. Build on your knowledge by doing background reading and test searches before you commit. This will help you gauge your interest level and assess how much material is available on your topic.
Once you've found a preliminary topic, run some test searches in the library's catalog (below) to see what library resources are available. Use the menu on the left of your search results to limit to peer-reviewed (scholarly) journals, books, or other source types.
If you're stuck on developing a topic, brainstorming can help you identify a bunch of different ideas to choose from. Consider doing a free write, creating a mind map, or making a list to get things started.
Background research is the foundation of your assignment, so start with good sources!
1. Who produced this website? How do I know they are an expert?
2. Was this produced by professionals or amateurs?
3. When was it last updated?
4. What is this website's goal? (To inform? Persuade? Sell something?)
5. Do some "lateral reading" and look up the source itself! See what outsiders say about its reliability and biases.
If you're not sure of an answer, ask a librarian!