Getting Started on Your Research

I have to give a speech, write a report or write a term paper now what?

• Do you have a topic for your assignment? If so, 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, "CQ Researcher," which allows you to browse topics and presents research on those topics. CQ Researcher is also available in hard copy format and is especially good for current events topics and speeches. Visit our periodical databases for more information. 
• 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 that your assignment will be quick and easy.
• Begin searching for information right away. Remember that good sources are found in all formats: books, journals and the 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'm not sure how to approach researching it.

• 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 contextual data. The librarians can recommend the best encyclopedias or other reference books to use.

Now you need to build on your basic information. Avail yourself to information in all formats:

• Books (on the shelves and online);
• Journal articles (on the shelves and through electronic databases);
• Digital media (videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.); use LINCCSearch to find media on your topic; 
• Internet sites; ensure that you use only those sites that end with ".edu," ".gov" and ".org." A ".com" site is unacceptible.

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 difficult to find credible and accurate information on the Internet. Books are still the best way to completely explore and articulate an idea.
• Your professor will tell you whether you may use Web sites as resources. Most people can surf the Internet and find topical information but cannot determine if what they've found is accurate, objective or up-to-date. Learn how to analyze Web site content by clicking "Evaluate the Internet."
• Most people are misinformed about journal articles on the Internet. We have access to journal articles written by and for academic scholars. These will be found in our electronic databases. As a Seminole State student, 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 on-screen or print, download or e-mail them from the library or anywhere else you have Internet access. All you need is an Seminole State library card.
• Read more on our periodical databases. The librarians can help you decide which databases are best and explain how to use them.

I have started my research, but I need assistance finding more sources. Now what?

• First, consult with the librarians. They can recommend other resources and help you fine-tune your search for information.
• Are the books you need in other libraries? You can get books from other Florida community colleges. Search "All Community Colleges."
• You may also want to try UCF's library or your local public libraries.
• Inter-library Loan can help you obtain books and articles that Seminole State doesn't own. Please keep in mind that this can take several days or weeks. Directions and forms for Inter-library Loan are available online.

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 bibliography or works cited page. 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 help sites are available online. Contact us if you need help tracking-down sources for complete citations.
• The library on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus has an open computer lab available for students; it is a one-stop source for research, studying, word processing and printing copies. Click here for library hours at all campuses. Good luck!

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