Step One: Task Definition 1.1 Define the Information Problem: What do you need to know? Make sure you understand the assignment and the teacher’s requirements. Ask the teacher if you are confused about anything. Restate the assignment in your own words to make sure you completely understand.

Step One: Task Definition 1.2 What information do you need in order to complete the assignment? Many times, the teacher will tell you what information you need. If a rubric is provided, be sure that you look it over carefully. Once you know the requirements of the assignment, you might want to make a list of questions to look up. A K-W-L chart is a useful tool to help you organize your questions. Your teacher and librarian can help you with this.

Example Example Assignment: Your teacher has asked you to choose a Greek god or goddess to research. Your first question may be: –Which god or goddess do I want to research? Is there a list to choose from? After that, some questions may look like this: –What are they the god/goddess of? –What is their physical description? –What are their interactions with mortals? –Are there any holidays or special traditions associated with this god/goddess? –Are there any other cultures with a similar god/goddess?

Step Two: Information Seeking Strategies 2.1 Make a list of all the possible sources you could use to answer your questions. Consider the following: Books Magazines Encyclopedias Interviews Observations Free websites Any databases or websites your library subscribes to – you can ask your librarian about this if you’re not sure.

Step Two: Information Seeking Strategies 2.2 Evaluate the different possible sources in order to select the best ones Look at the list of sources and mark the ones that are available to you and easy to use. Next, evaluate your sources: –Is the author an expert on the subject? –Is the information current? –Is the information accurate? –Is the website credible? How do you know? –What is the perspective of the author? Are they objective, or do they have an ulterior motive? Ask your teacher, librarian, or parents if you need help evaluating a source.

Step Three: Location and Accesss 3.1 Locate your sources Where can you get your sources? Write the location by your source. –If it’s a book or magazine, write the call number. –If it’s a website, write its address. –If it’s a person, write how you will contact them. Example: –Mythology websites- (remember that it needs to be trustworthy!) -or- –Gods and Goddesses in Greek Mythology HOU, school library Don’t forget about the public library!

Step three: Location and Access 3.2 Find information within the sources: How do you find the answers to your questions within the sources? Make a list of keywords that will help you find the information you are looking for. –Example: “Greek Mythology” or “Zeus” (if that is the god you have chosen) Use the tools for each source: –Books have an index or a table of contents. –Encyclopedias have an index volume that is usually the last volume in the set. –Subscription websites (Gale, Worldbook Online, etc) use keywords in the search box, as do general Internet search engines. You may have to try keywords alone or in different combinations to get the results you want.

Step Three: Location and Access Graphic Organizers may be useful for this step Use organizers to help you see what information you have found and what you still need to know. Ask your librarian if tools such as “Inspiration” ( are available. Free graphic organizers for different types of assignments can also be found at

Step 4: Use of Information 4.1 Engage (read, hear, view, touch) Use your sources: –Read the books. –Explore the websites. –Watch the videos. –Listen to the interviews. –Talk to the first-person sources. –Use what you’ve found!

Step 4: Use of Information 4.2 Extract relevant information Figure out what is important and useful in each source. Keep notes of what you learn. Make sure you have the citations for all of your sources. Keep using those graphic organizers – they will help you compile your final project.

Step 5: Synthesis 5.1 Organize from multiple sources Create an outline for your final project, using the information you have gathered. Use writing tools to help you get organized: –Concept webs –K-W-L charts (update the ones you’ve already made) –Essay maps, such as the one available at p/ from Read Write Think. p/

Step 5: Synthesis 5.2 Present the information: This is where it all comes together – compiling your final paper or project. Look back at the organizers you have used, and create the final product. Be sure to cite your sources as you go! Edit your composition, and have someone else look over it before you turn it in. Double-check the assignment requirements and/or rubric before you submit your final product.

Step 6: Evaluation 6.1 Judge the product (effectiveness) Take a look back at what you did: –Did you make your point? –Did you fulfill the requirements? –What kind of grade would you give yourself? –What could you have improved?

Step 6: Evaluation 6.2 Judge the process (efficiency) Look back at how you completed the assignment: –Did you make good use of your time? –Did you choose the best sources? –What might you have done differently? –How can you make the process easier and more efficient next time?