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Guide to Library Research for Core Seminar: Home

Use this guide to access resources and information to help you complete your research paper for this class.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of your first library research session, you should be able to ...

  • 1: Use the library catalog (LIUCAT) to find books and/or movies
  • 2: Identify and locate at least one library database
  • 3: Search for, locate and save/email articles from databases

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Johnson & Wales University Library for permission to use this guide structure

This guide was developed by: Katelyn Angell, Emily Drabinski, Edward Keane, Patricia Keogh, Rachel King, Susan Thomas, Ingrid Wang, Gloria Willson, Constance Woo.

Research Process Overview

The research process typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.

Step 1. Develop a Topic
Use reference resources, course readings, and conversation with professors and fellow students to zero in on a topic of interest to you.

Step 2. Locate information
Use library resources to find books and articles relevant to your topic.

Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information and sources
Assess whether the information you've located is current, relevant, authoritative, accurage, and right for your research purpose.

Step 4. Use, organize and communicate information 
Use paraphrasing and notetaking strategies to synthesize your sources and your own ideas.

Step 5. Complies with legal, ethical and moral standards
Make sure you're not plagiarizing by citing your sources using the right citation style.

Get help now!

Library Depts.

Reference Desk (3rd Flr):
718.780.4513

Interlibrary Loan (4th Flr):
718.488.1679

Periodicals (4th Flr):
718.488.1318

Circulation (5th Flr):
718.488.1338

Media Center (5th Flr):
718.246.6388

Student Computer (Cyber) Lab
(5th Flr): 718.488.1882