Getting started on your research

I have to (give a speech, write a report, write a term paper...) now what?

• Do you have a topic for your assignment? If you do, skip to the next section.
• If not, review the research study guides created by the librarians. Each study guide has a section called "LINCC Online Catalog Subject Browse Lists" that can help you identify a topic and find library resources.
• Use our online database, "CQResearcher" which lets you browse topics and presents research on those topics. CQResearcher is especially good for current event topics, speeches, etc. See Periodical Databases for more information. CQ Researcher is also available in book form!
  Plan your time.
• Assume everything will take longer than you may think. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that having Internet access means everything is real fast and easy.
• Begin searching for information right away. Remember that good sources are found all formats: books, journals, media, and Internet. In the event that we need to help you find material from other libraries, the sooner you identify what you need, the better! You don't want to miss a deadline because you're still waiting for an important article - which you didn't ask for until just before finals!
• Starting as soon as possible means you'll get more help if you need it, and have more resources available. Don't be among the stressed and panicked students at the end of every term that didn't start early enough and missed all of the best resources.

I have the topic, but I don't have a clue!

• You don't need to be an expert on a topic to do a report about it. After all, you're here to learn!
• If you don't know much about your topic, use LINCCSearch to help you find books that give you general information, or use a good encyclopedia for a concise explanation and context. The librarians can recommend the best encyclopedias, or other reference books, to use. Contact us!

I have the topic, I have a clue, ... what's next?

• Now you need to build on your basic information. Here's a very important reminder: Avail yourself to information in ALL formats:
• Books (on the shelves and online)
• Journal articles (on the shelves, through electronic databases, and online)
• Media (videos, CD-ROM, DVD, etc. Use LINCCSearch to find media on your topic. Here's how)
• Internet sites.

Is the internet the best choice for my research?

• Ask yourself what your professor requires, and what kind of information you're trying to track down. It is very difficult to find ALL of the information you need on the Internet, and know that you've done good work. Books are still the best way to completely explore and articulate an idea.
• Your professor will tell whether you may use Internet sites as resources. Most people can surf the 'Net and find stuff, but can't determine if they've found accurate, objective, and up-to-date information. Learn how to analyze web site content by clicking on Search the Internet
• Most people are wrong about finding journal articles on the Internet, too. We have access to e-journals, but most of your research will come from journals written by and for professionals and scholars. These will be found in our electronic databases. You have access to more than 10,000 journal and magazine titles, and many of the articles will be in full-text. You can read them from the screen, print them, download them, email them ... from the library, or anywhere you have Internet access. All you need is a library card.
• Read more on our Periodical Databases. The librarians can help you decide which databases are best to use, & explain how to use them.

I have the topic, a clue, some basic information, and some sources, but I need more. Now what?

• First stop - consult with the librarians.
• They can recommend other resources & help you fine-tune your search for information.
• Ask - are the books you need in other libraries? LINCCSearch can help you get books from other Florida community colleges. Search "All Community Colleges" by clicking on
  http://www2.linccweb.org/
• You may also want to try UCF's library or public libraries.
• Inter-library Loan can help you obtain books and articles that SCC doesn't own. Please keep in mind that this can take several days, or weeks. Explanations of, and forms for, Inter-library Loan are available.

I have all of my sources and I'm ready to write my paper. What else do I need to do?

• Review your draft copy carefully. Did you include everything that you needed to say?
• Review your works cited page, or bibliography. Have you cited all of your resources?
• Your professor may want you go use a certain citation style manual or guide. These will tell you how to cite your sources. The library has paper copies at the reference and reserve desks, and online help sites are available here. Let us know if you need help tracking sources down for complete citations.
• The Library makes a CTS Open Computer Lab available at the Sanford/Lake Mary campus. You have one-stop shopping for research, reading & studying, word processing, & printing a copy to h& in for a grade. Click here for Library hours at both campuses. Good luck!