Research is a process.

Here are some good general steps to take to locate quality sources and decide if the information is a good fit for your assignment needs.

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 ​​​​​​​